4/3/16 - Rome, ITALY: Fiji’s Ambassador to Belgium and Permanent Representative to the European Union Deo Saran recently presented his Letter of Credence to H.E. Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic at an accreditation ceremony held at the Qurinale Palace in Rome.
During the credentials ceremony, Ambassador Saran conveyed greetings from Fiji’s President and underlined that Fiji valued the long-standing friendship and cordial relationship with Italy since diplomatic relations were established in 1972. This had gone from strength to strength, both at the bilateral level as well as the multilateral level through the European Union where Italy plays a prominent role.
President Mattarella extended a warm welcome and greetings to Ambassador Saran and acknowledged the long diplomatic relations shared between the two countries.
Ambassador Saran took the opportunity to brief H.E. Mattarella on the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston and the collective rehabilitation work carried out by the Fijian Government as well as local and international agencies.
Discussions also took place on strengthening bilateral relations through cultural exchanges, tourism, investment and trade. Ambassador Saran highlighted that if both countries enter into a Development Cooperation Agreement and appoint an honorary consul in Italy, this would strengthen relations. He also expressed his pleasure that Fijians were working or living in Italy and this would contribute to strengthening relations. This includes Fijian rugby players contracted with various rugby clubs in Italy. A number of Fijian nationals also work in various Roman Catholic Churches in Rome and on educational attachment with Roman Catholic institutions.