Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama received a courtesy call from New Zealand’s new High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Charlotte Darlow at the Office of the Prime Minister this morning.
Prime Minister Bainimarama congratulated High Commissioner Darlow on her new diplomatic role and reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to further advance collaboration with New Zealand.
Prime Minister Bainimarama acknowledged New Zealand’s swift assistance to Fiji’s national response to COVID- 19, through the provision of direct budget support, procurement of life saving vaccines and deployment of medical personnel, medical equipment and supplies.
This comprehensive partnership, he said attests to our Pacific Vuvale and the kind gesture and generosity will remain in the hearts of every Fijian.
Prime Minister said Fiji’s vaccination efforts has enabled us to reopen our international borders this month to designated travel partners like New Zealand and ultimately reviving economic activities in the tourism sector.
Prime Minister Bainimarama took the opportunity to convey his appreciation to New Zealand for its exemplary support to the region in pursuing an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and tackling common challenges.
He said regional solidarity among Pacific Vuvale is imperative to help navigate through the common challenges and capitilise on the development opportunities ahead.
Fiji and New Zealand’s new Statement of Partnership is work in progress and once signed, it is anticipated to elevate the bilateral and multilateral engagements between the two nations.
The Prime Minister extended the Fijian Government’s best wishes to High Commissioner Darlow as she assumes her new role and also expressed confidence that during her tenure, she will continue to build on the great work of her predecessor, His Excellency Jonathan Curr.
In response, High Commissioner Darlow reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to deepen the levels of cooperation in mutual areas of interest and priorities.
High Commissioner Darlow comes to Fiji from her previous role as the Divisional Manager for the Pacific Regional Division at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In this role, she was New Zealand’s Senior Official for Pacific regional processes, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the regional CROP (science and technical) agencies.
Fiji and New Zealand have continuously worked together to explore areas of cooperation in the following areas of common interest which includes: governance, gender equality, security and defence, private sector development, climate change and disaster resilience, labour mobility, fisheries, policing, trade and investment, agriculture, health and education.