The Republic of Benin and the Republic of Fiji formalised diplomatic relations at a ceremony at the office of the Fiji Mission to the United Nations in New York on Friday, 16th September 2011.
Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Peter Thomson, and his Benin counterpart, Ambassador Jean-Francis Zinsou, signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The communiqué expresses the desire from both countries to promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation.
The communiqué affirms that the relationship will be guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and other norms of international law. This includes those pertaining to the promotion of international peace and security, a respect for national sovereignty, equality among States, independence, territorial integrity, international treaties and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.
Following the formalisation ceremonies, attended by officials of the Permanent Missions of Benin and Fiji to the United Nations, the Ambassadors held discussions on areas of common interest of their two countries, with a view to greater cooperation in the future.
Strengthening ties … Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Peter Thomson, and his Benin counterpart, Ambassador Jean-Francis Zinsou after establishing diplomatic relations in New York.