A bilateral meeting this afternoon between Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Sitiveni Rabuka and President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau, marks a momentous achievement in Fiji-Kiribati relations, reaffirming our shared commitment to regional peace, unity and prosperity, as Pacific Vuvale.
A broad range of new cooperation areas was discussed during the high-level meeting between the two leaders and senior government officials from both countries, focusing on climate change, oceans, economic growth, trade, tourism, defence and security, and labour mobility.
The meeting underscored the renewed commitment to deepen bilateral engagements through exploring new initiatives aimed at empowering people of the two nations and promoting economic growth and regional solidarity.
In the discussions, the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Development Cooperation was at the top of the agenda.
The leaders agreed to renew the MOU which is currently under consultation, and it will reinforce the strong foundation for the years ahead, through strategic partnership that advances the social and economic priorities that are at the heart of the renewed cooperation. The leaders rendered their support for this important initiative and to ensure the work is completed within agreed timelines.
Prime Minister Rabuka took the opportunity to congratulate President Maamau on his recent electoral victory and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthen the relations between our two nations that share historical and cultural ties.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper as a guiding framework for Fiji’s global engagements over the next decade, placing the Pacific region at the heart of all development efforts.
The two leaders shared their perspectives on the pressing global challenges such as climate change and evolving geopolitics, which will require a unified Pacific voice and representation at the global and regional fora. Prime Minister Rabuka elaborated on the Ocean of Peace declaration which will be considered at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September in Solomon Islands this year. The unique initiative will be the Pacific’s contribution towards global peace and security.
In conclusion Prime Minister Rabuka thanked President Maamau and the people of Kiribati for their continued support to Fiji and expressed optimism that relations will continue to growth from strength to strength, bringing new opportunities for peace and prosperity.
President Maamau, in his response commended Prime Minister Rabuka for his exceptional leadership, vision and foresight for Fiji and the Pacific region. He extended his heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Rabuka and the Fiji Government senior officials for the productive discussions on building a stronger foundation for future cooperation that will benefit both nations, and the broader Pacific family.
The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the history of Fiji-Kirbati relations, our cultural ties and shared aspirations to advance peace, prosperity and a sustainable future for our nations and our Pacific Vuvale.