The growing role by the European Commission in Fiji’s socio-economic development dominated talks on Monday between the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the EC Commissioner for International Co-operation and Development H.E Neven Mimica.
The Prime Minister is attending the 102nd session of the Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States in Brussels and held separate bilateral talks with Commissioner Mimica. During talks, the Prime Minister commended the EU’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, which he said augurs well for the future of pacific small island developing states. He also called on the EU's support in the lead up to the Climate Change talks in Paris.
Prime Minister also met separately with the Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Hon Louis Michel and the Head of Cabinet of High Representative/Vice-President, European External Action Services Mr Stefano Manservsi and discussed the EU’s trade agreements and engagements with Fiji. Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships especially in the sugar, fisheries and forests sector. He also pointed out that the assistance provided to Fiji would compliment the work carried out by the FijiFirst government to improve the lives of ordinary Fijians
The Head of the Fijian Government also held discussions on the role of the EU within the region and highlighted the emerging role of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in addressing the challenges faced by Pacific Small Islands Development States.