Fiji and Papua New Guinea have a special responsibility to work together closely for the mutual benefit of its people and the wider Melanesian family, says Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama.
In extending Fiji’s well wishes to Papua New Guinea on its 40th Independence Day celebration, the Fijian head of Government highlighted the progress the Melanesian state has made and the importance of its ties with Fiji.
Prime Minister Bainimarama told his PNG counterpart, Hon. Peter O’Neill that since gaining independence, the two nations have enjoyed close relationship of mutual respect and friendship which was further cemented through their membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
“Papua New Guinea’s emergence as a powerful economic force with the harnessing of your vast natural resources has been truly remarkable,” he said.
The wealth generated through this, the Prime Minister said, has been extended to Fiji in the form of investment especially in the tourism industry with the restoration of the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel and the soft launch of the Pearl Resort at Pacific Harbour.
“Fiji’s doors are always open to PNG investors and we look forward to strengthening our ties even further in this area in the months and years ahead.”
He further extended Fiji’s appreciation to PNG for her generous assistance to Fiji for the 2014 General Elections, which introduced the first genuine parliamentary democracy in Fijian history of equal votes of equal value.
Prime Minister Bainimarama commended the Melanesian state for successfully hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit in Port Moresby and the highly successful Pacific Games which has become a benchmark for Fiji and other island nations.
“Fiji also admires the way in which Papua New Guinea successfully hosted the recent Pacific Games, which have been described to me as the best Pacific Games ever,” he said.
Above all, Prime Minister Bainimarama said the people-to-people ties have never been stronger and this is a cause for great celebration.