The Ambassador of the French Republic, His Excellency François-Xavier Leger,
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Dr Andreas Prothmann,
The Chargé d’affaires of Spain in Fiji, Mr Gaël Sanchez,
The Representative of the European Investment Bank to the Pacific, Mr Benoit Cambier,
The Executive Director of the Damodar Group of Companies, Mr Div Damodar,
Representatives of the European Missions in Fiji,
Representatives of the Damodar Group,
Representatives of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce,
Representatives of the Macuata Rugby Union,
Distinguished Guests, and
Ladies and Gentlemen.
 
Miau sa bula re, a very good evening to you all and welcome to Labasa, my hometown!
 
I take this opportunity to welcome you all this evening; today being the culmination of the 2024 European Film Festival, the third in what has become an annual, culturally inspired public diplomacy event for the European Union. I understand that similar screenings has taken place in Tuvalu this year.
 
We are thankful to Mr. Div Damodar and the Damodar Group for screening this event at their Damodar City Cinemas. The expansion of the Damodar investment to Vanua Levu, in particular, Labasa, reflects the confidence that the Damodar family has on the economic landscape of the North.
 
I also take this opportunity to thank Your Excellencies the Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, the Ambassador of the French Republic, and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, together with representatives, for accepting my invitation to dialogue earlier today.
 
Fiji and the European Union share common interests, and the nation stands to benefit greatly from strategic working relationships, including climate and oceans governance, development corporation, trade relations, and defence and security.
 
Distinguished Guests, while links between our nation and the European Union exists on the international level, corporation is also defined in the depths of our respective arts and culture, as well as niche tourism.
 
I commend the European Union for including Fiji in its global flagship Film Festival, which runs in countries across all continents every year. Films can transcend age, gender, social status, ethnicity, and language. Films, not just English-speaking, but foreign-language films as well, at some point, bridges the silos that we operate autonomously in. Films allow us to live the experience through the actors, ethnic language, and the cultures they represent.
 
I enjoy a good movie or documentary when I can and I find that, even at this age, I am learning each time.
 
Distinguished Guests, the European Union is comprised of 27 member states, each with their own languages, cultures, and identities. It is not a coincidence then that the European Union’s motto is United in Diversity. It is this diversity that Europeans celebrate, and I share the sentiments of my fellow Fijians, who were able to enjoy the free screenings, that we are fortunate to experience Europe through the European Film Festival.
 
As a celebration of diversity, both in Europe and in the Pacific, the European Film Festival highlights that our uniqueness and creativity is what we all share in common.
 
To Team Europe, vinaka vakalevu for bringing the Film Festival to Fiji in 2022. I am pleased also that Team Europe’s outreach has extended to audiences in the Western Division in Lautoka and this year to the North in Labasa.
 
As a pillar of the Pacific cultural calendar, this year showcased 10 European Films from 10 countries over nine days, inviting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the best of European cinema.
 
What began as a weekend festival two years ago has evolved into a week-long event, and in multiple screening locations.
 
This free, family-friendly social event opens European culture and connections to our audiences in Fiji through film. Although geographically apart, I am certain that audiences will find similarities between Europe and the vast Pacific.
                   
I wish to express my appreciation to the business community in Labasa for continuing to demonstrate commitment and resilience to growing commerce in the North. I would encourage you also to acknowledge the arts and culture and possibly incorporate these platforms in your business plans.
 
Distinguished Guests, before we get to enjoy the final film in the series of this year’s European Film Festival, may I say - May God bless us all and may God bless Fiji.  
 
Sa re, Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank You.