Fiji’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union Deo Saran has presented his credentials to the President of the French Republic H.E. Mr. François Hollande.
Ambassador Saran presented his credentials as the non-resident Fijian envoy to France at a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace. Here he also discussed bilateral matters with President Hollande.
As he conveyed greetings from His Excellency the President and the people of Fiji, Ambassador highlighted Fiji’s high regard of her relations with France. He also pointed to the longstanding relations between Fiji and France and the need to strengthen this not only at a bilateral level but also at a multilateral level. This includes at regional forums and organisations such as the European Union where France plays a prominent role.
In welcoming Ambassador Saran, President Hollande said that cooperation with Fiji would strengthen dialogue in all areas including bilateral and regional issues. This would deepen regional integration and France was particularly keen to contribute in the field of education and research and the development of trade. He also discussed the upcoming climate change talks in Paris and pointed out that it would be a real test in terms of what the international community could offer to make the Climate Change Conference a success.
The meeting also saw the French President extend his gratitude for Fiji’s peacekeeping efforts across the globe. He also expressed his delight that over 200 Fijian players were playing rugby in various clubs in France.
Ambassador Saran concurred with President Hollande that climate change was one of the major challenges facing the global community especially Small Island Developing States. He said that Fiji was playing a lead role from the Pacific Region for the Paris Summit. He spoke on the conclusion of the 3rd PIDF Summit and the adoption of the Suva Declaration, which forms the basis for the PIDF members’ submission at COP 21.
The Summit has strongly urged the international community to deal decisively with undoubtedly the greatest single challenge of our age – the threat to the entire world and especially Small Island Developing States by climate change.
Ambassador Saran also assured Fiji’s support to President Hollande, in his capacity as the Chair of COP21, and looked forward to a fair and balanced outcome of the Paris Summit.
Ambassador Saran was accompanied by Fiji’s Counsellor at the Brussels mission, Mr Nidhendra Singh.