HE PRESIDENT RATU WILIAME KATONIVERE’S ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE FIJI-INDONESIA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

• Honourable Cabinet Ministers;
• Honourable Members of Parliament;
• The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Fiji, YourExcellency Dupito Darma Simamora and Madam Simamora; 
• Fiji’s Former Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia and Chairman for FIFA, Ratu Tui Cavuilati; 
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
• Members of the Business Community;
• Alumnae of Indonesia Student’s Association; 
• Distinguished Guests;
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

Ni sa bula vinaka, Miau sa bula re and a very good evening to you all. I am indeed honoured to be here this evening and most importantly to launch the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association or FIFA. I extend my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Simamora and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Fijifor this inaugural milestone to mark half a century of diplomatic relations that currently exists between our two nations.
 
The establishment of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association is a notable effort by the diplomatic mission based here in Suvato strengthen the alliance between our two nations, a commitment that began in 1974. The Republic of Fiji is privileged to share deepening diplomatic relations with a number of nations, critical to fostering international cooperation, promoting peace and stability, and advancing mutual interests. 
 
These bilateral and multilateral partnerships strengthen economic ties, boost cultural exchanges, and facilitate dialogue on key global issues such as security and climate change. The Republic of Fiji and the Republic of Indonesia share mutual links in ethnicity, language, culture, and shared development goals. This elevated effort will further seal existing ties that will unleash joint capabilities to working together for common interests, as well as connecting the region of Southeast Asia with Small Island Developing States such as Fiji. 
 
As the Republic of Indonesia celebrates its 50th year milestone of bilateral diplomatic relations with our nation this year, it isapt to mark this occasion with the launch of this unique platform of friendship. The Association opens yet another chapter in our joint history, further harnessing the Fiji-Indonesia relations particularly for our people-to-people contact. 
 
May I add that the half-way mark is an opportunity to reflect on the first 50 years, paving the path forward for further joint cooperation. A journey that we all look forward to in the next 50 years.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, I have been reliably informed that the FIFA platform will be exclusively driven by the Association, promoting a friendly non-partisan and non-political relation between the peoples of the Republic of Fiji and the Republic of Indonesia. 
 
At this juncture, I wish to importantly acknowledge the contributions of Ambassador Ratu Tui Cavuilati, a seasoned diplomat in his own right for being at the helm - I have no doubt that our two nations will build more understanding and mutual respect. On that note, I also acknowledge the very strong leadership that make up the Association and I acknowledge their commitment as well to this worthy endeavor.
 
The fora will, indeed, boost the exchange of views on matters of mutual interest, uptake recommendations to governments and other stakeholders, as well as conduct agreed programmes and activities. The Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association welcomes collaboration and support from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, scholars, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders. 
 
We look forward to seeing the growth of the Fiji Indonesia Friendship Association in expanding collaborations and improving sectoral opportunities.And with these few words, ladies, and gentlemen, I extend my good wishes to Your Excellency Ambassador Simamora, and congratulations to the establishment of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association.
 
May God Bless Us All and May God Bless Fiji. 
 
Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.