Fijian High Commissioner to PNG and non-resident High Commissioner to Vanuatu Esala Teleni today presented his credentials to the President of Vanuatu His Excellency Womtelo Rev. Baldwin Londsdale.
High Commissioner Teleni commended the steadfastness, calmness, solidarity and spirit of confidence displayed by Vanuatu and its people during and after cyclone Pam.
He said that Fiji and Vanuatu share many things in common such as our geographical location, our sea rights, our land, our people and our histories.
"We also have long standing diplomatic ties and cooperation on bilateral and through existing multi-lateral and regional mechanism," he said.
He thanked the Vanuatu Government for its understanding and support during Fiji’s transition to democratic rule.
High Commissioner Teleni is looking forward to some good and constructive years during his term.
His Excellency Rev Londsale thanked the Fijian Government for the support and assistance rendered to the people of Vanuatu.
He said the relations between the two countries dated far back when people from Vanuatu were taken to work in Fiji’s sugar cane plantations as well as those Vanuatu nationals who attended schools in Fiji.
He also discussed regional peace and security and believed that as a region we needed to provide a united front to bring security issues to the attention of global powers.
President Rev Londsale also acknowledged the assistance offered by Fiji after Cyclone Pam.
He commended the sacrifices by the Fijian soldiers who assisted in rehabilitation work and said that their work did not go unnoticed by the people and the government of Vanuatu.
High Commissioner Teleni later reviewed a guard of honour.
He was accompanied by Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Vanuatu Mr Charles Valentine and Second Secretary Mr Vilikesa Naivalucava.