Funafuti - Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama reaffirmed his support to issues raised by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in his remarks during a dialogue with Forum Leaders in Tuvalu today.
“Fiji acknowledges the invaluable role of civil society organisations at the national, regional and global levels in complementing the efforts of Governments,” PM Bainimarama said.
The Prime Minister, in his intervention, thanked all CSOs in the region for their contribution to nation-building, and the great work they do in ensuring that “no one is left behind in our sustainable development aspirations”.
“Your presence in communities throughout the region ensures the voices of all Pacific citizens, from all walks of life, are heard in our national, regional and global discourse,” he said.
On the alleged human rights violations in West Papua, Prime Minister Bainimarama reaffirmed Fiji’s continuing support to the people of West Papua and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, including Indonesia.
Prime Minister Bainimarama affirms that Fiji will uphold the UN Charter and said that “we must tread boldly but thoughtfully as we move forward on this issue as a region”.
In supporting the vision of a Blue Pacific, PM Bainimarama said that Fiji supports the 10 year moratorium on seabed mining to allow for a decade of proper scientific research of our economic zones and territorial waters.
“I reiterate my call to PIF Members during the opening of our Climate Change Sautalaga event to step up and support this ambitious venture,” he said.
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu who reiterated the important role of CSOs in regional Development.