Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and British Prime Minister David Cameron met in London on Friday 18 September and agreed to work together to address the challenges of the modern global environment, and had a fruitful bilateral discussion on other issues of mutual interest.
The Climate Change issue was high on the agenda, and PM Bainimarama informed his British counterpart of the unique existential threats faced by Pacific Island countries due to sea level rise and severe weather conditions.
PM Cameron agreed that more needed to be done to bring about a legally binding convention restricting the emission of CO2. The UK, he said, will work with the EU to encourage other big global emitters to agree to a progressive deal at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December. Prime Minister Cameron also highlighted the UK’s contribution to the Climate Financing mechanism to assist with mitigation and adaptation measures in the most affected SIDS.
The leaders acknowledged the strong historical links that exist between the two countries and how to use them as a platform to build a stronger partnership. In this regard, PM Cameron, after having been informed of the strong performance of the Fijian economy in the last five years, suggested that future discussion should focus on increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
Visa issues were also discussed, particularly the restrictions and associated costs preventing spouses and children of Fiji born British Army soldiers from settling in the UK. PM Cameron acknowledged the immense contributions and sacrifices made by Fijians serving in the British Army, and said he has undertook to look into the issue.