Prime Minister Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama is optimistic that further support from Kenya will bring about more ambition and commitment towards climate action with new innovative solutions to effectively address climate change.
In a bilateral meeting with Kenyan President, His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta at the State House in Nairobi last night, PM Bainimarama said there was a great need for political will and action on climate change.
The meeting was held along the margins of the 1st UN Habitat Assembly. Last year, Kenya hosted the first-ever Blue Economy Conference which brought the country and Africa closer to oceans diplomacy.
The Kenya Blue Economy Conference under President Kenyatta brought an integrated perspective on oceans. It brought oceans, rivers and lakes as integrated systems that needs to be protected.
PM Bainimarama said Fijians inland also depended on their rivers as healthy sources of food.
As the incoming Co-Chair of the UN Oceans Conference, PM Bainimarama is banking on Kenya’s support to maintain the momentum and ensure that voluntary pledges and commitments made at the 2017 Conference are fully realised.
PM Bainimarama said Fiji would support President Kenyatta and the co-host nation, Portugal in hosting the 3rd UN Oceans Conference in Lisbon in June, next year.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Kenya on its commitment and leadership in the area of environmental governance, conservation and preservation, adding he is particularly pleased to note the President’s position of banning the use of plastic bags.
PM Bainimarama shared the United Nations Secretary-General H.E Antonio Guterres’ recent Fiji visit, which further strengthened the country’s fight against climate change.
At the meeting, the two leaders also discussed about Kenya’s plans to join the UN Security Council, something Fiji is also considering in the not so distant future where climate change and security issues will be among other important factors to push for to the Council.
The two leaders also centred their discussions on the historical similarities between Fiji and Kenya, economic opportunities, tourism, trade, peacekeeping duties and rugby.
He said both economies have enjoyed steady growth over the years, which provided a clear indication of Fiji and Kenya’s commitments towards sustainable economic growth.
For peacekeeping operations, PM Bainimarama said it has been an integral part of Fiji’s contribution to the United Nations since 1978.
The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Kenya for being a key-player in the promotion of peace and security in the African continent.