He was transferred to Brussels and appointed Ambassador to Belgium in 1988, and was accredited to France, Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg, and Greece, as well as to UNESCO and the World Trade Organization.

As Foreign Minister, Tavola had to defend Fiji's international image in the face of criticism from some countries of the government's perceived lenience towards perpetrators of the 2000 coup.

[3] In an interview published on 2 February 2006 by Islands Business, Tavola announced his decision not to contest the upcoming 2006 Fijian general election, citing his age, health, and family commitments.

Following the victory of the ruling SDL in the general election, Prime Minister Qarase persuaded Tavola to reverse his decision to retire from the Cabinet.

Following the 2000 Fijian coup d'état, Tavola was reportedly the only Ministerial candidate acceptable to both the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the rebels led by George Speight.