His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will depart Fiji this evening for Australia to attend the 20th World AIDS Conference in Melbourne.
During his visit, President Nailatikau will speak at special sessions on the advancement and threat of the AIDS epidemic to mankind; and will meet with senior executives of the United Nations organization on AIDS (UNAIDS).
The Fijian Head of State will also co - chair the first plenary session next Monday with speaker Professor Salim Abdool Karim, who will address 'State of the Art Epidemiology and Access'.
The invitation of HE Ratu Epeli to the 20th World AIDS conference is on the back of the good work that he has undertaken as the UN AIDS Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific, during which he has highlighted the epidemic to more than 150 secondary schools around the country.
His message has reached a mass of more than 40, 000 students, teachers and members of the schools communities.
The president's engagement in Melbourne also underpins the Fijian Government's commitment to fight HIV and AIDS.
The high level visit by the President further enhances and strengthen relations between Fiji and other countries bilaterally and through international organisations.
In Melbourne, HE will be joined by Fiji's Acting Head of Mission Cheryl Brown Irava.
In Scotland, Fiji's High Commissioner Solo Mara will accompany the President to the Commonwealth Games.
-ENDS-