The President of Ireland, His Excellency Michael Higgins conveyed his best wishes for the constitutional process to be undertaken in Fiji after being briefed by Ambassador Solo Mara on Thursday 20 June at the Presidential House in Dublin.
Ambassador Mara was in Ireland to present his letter of credence formalising his appointment as Fiji’s Ambassador to Ireland.
Ambassador Mara highlighted in his brief the implementation of the Roadmap to Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development to bring about a constitution by 2013 that promotes social & racial equality, political inclusiveness and provides for equal economic opportunities for all Fijians.
In receiving Ambassador Mara, President Higgins acknowledged the areas of cooperation between Fiji and Ireland in international forums like the UN, particularly on the important issues of climate change, disarmament, sustainable development and UN Peacekeeping. He noted that Fijian and Irish troops have served well together under the UN banner in places like Lebanon and Iraq.
Ambassador Mara conveyed that he will work to not only maintain the cordial relations that exist between the two island nations but also to explore new areas of cooperation as a way to develop further the healthy bilateral relationship that currently exists.
President Higgins, who is himself spearheading a constitutional dialogue in Ireland expressed the hope that Fiji and Ireland can learn from each other’s attempt to bring about political inclusivity and sustainable constitutional reform.
Ambassador Mara also met with the Minister responsible for Trade, Sports and Tourism to discuss areas of cooperation between Fiji and Ireland.
President Higgins receiving Ambassador Solo Mara's Credentials