We Are A Family: PM Tells PIF

06/03/2023

ILISAPECI TUIVALE

“We are a village; we are a family. Whether we can follow the language and the dialects or not, our spirits communicate.”

These were the sentiments of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chairman, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, while being welcomed at the PIF Secretariat in Suva.

Prime Minister Rabuka was accorded a Pasifika style traditional welcome ceremony performed by the Api Tonga Community in Fiji.

In formally welcoming the chair, PIF Secretary-General, Henry Puna assured him that the Secretariat stands ready to work with him and the Government of Fiji. 

“We have every confidence that with solidarity and resolve, you will lead us to the realisation of our collective aspirations as people of the Blue Pacific. Given that Fiji is the home of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the affairs of the people in Government of Fiji, are close to the hearts of many of our Secretariat staff and families.”

“Your leadership comes at the most crucial time. From the podium of the Pacific Islands Forum, we will look to you to lead us on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, to bridge and heal our family relations and to transition us into the leadership of the Cook Islands as the incoming PIF’s chair,” Mr Puna said.

Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the welcome ceremony accorded to him and expressed his gratitude for the congratulatory remarks conveyed to him from the respective heads of governments in the Pacific.

“I can only reciprocate the honour by serving the Pacific Islands Forum in the remaining term, and continue as a member after I, as Prime Minister hand over to my successor.”

He attributed the contribution of past leaders to the Forum and called on heads of governments in the Pacific to come together and move forward in unity.

“I am looking forward to contributing to developing the Forum. I promise, that the Government I lead while I am chair and even after I’m chair will be committed to our collective goals, collective mission and our one vision for a great, united Pacific region,” PM Rabuka stated.

-ENDS-