PM RABUKA EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ONGOING SUPPORT TO FIJI

PRIME MINISTER RABUKA EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ONGOING SUPPORT TO FIJI


In a courtesy call at the Prime Minister's Office, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka warmly welcomed the newly-appointed High Commissioner of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland to Fiji, His Excellency, Mr Kanbar Hossein-Bor. The meeting served as an opportunity for the Prime Minister to express his heartfelt gratitude to the United Kingdom for its steadfast support to Fiji through the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Rabuka extended his congratulations to High Commissioner Hossein-Bor on his new role, emphasizing that his appointment further solidifies the enduring partnership between Fiji and the UK. He acknowledged the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations, which have fostered cooperation in key areas such as education, sports, and employment. The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the significant contribution of Fijians who have enlisted in the British Armed Forces and their families, who have made the UK their home.

The two leaders also discussed the shared values and goals that Fiji and the UK uphold as members of the Commonwealth, including their mutual passion for rugby. Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated Fiji's commitment to the principles and values of the Commonwealth, as well as the nation's strong bond with other member states.

The meeting also touched on the robust and multifaceted relationship between Fiji and the UK in critical areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and defense. These collaborations demonstrate the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship, underscoring the strong foundation upon which the two nations can continue to build and strengthen their ties.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his sincere appreciation to the UK Government for its invaluable support in safeguarding the world's oceans and wildlife through its '30 by 30' Global Ocean Alliance Initiative. This initiative is a testament to the UK's leadership in international nature conservation, and Fiji is proud to be a part of this endeavor.

High Commissioner Hossein-Bor reciprocated by thanking the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet and conveyed the well-wishes of the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom to Honourable Rabuka and the people of Fiji. He assured that the UK will continue to work closely with Fiji to strengthen bilateral relations, advance shared priorities, and address global challenges together.

Fiji and the UK have maintained strong diplomatic ties rooted in historical connections, which have been further strengthened by ongoing collaboration across various sectors. This meeting serves as a testament to the deepening partnership between the two nations, and we look forward to continued cooperation and friendship.