𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆

Today, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with Honourable Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, to reaffirm Fiji's dedication to strengthening its relationship with Vanuatu and enhancing regional collaboration through the Pacific Way.

In his introductory remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Napat for his presence, emphasizing the significance of talanoa (dialogue) and high-level discussions in promoting mutual understanding and unity among Pacific Island nations.

Rabuka highlighted the enduring partnership between Fiji and Vanuatu, founded on historical bonds, shared responsibilities, and robust cooperation within multilateral forums. "These engagements amplify our collective voice and reaffirm our commitment to solidarity in the Pacific," he stated.

The leaders also recognized the strong connections between the peoples of Fiji and Vanuatu, strengthened by cultural ties and a common Pacific identity. Fiji acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Fijian diaspora to Vanuatu's economy and celebrated the soft launch of Vanuatu's new diplomatic premises in Muanikau, Nasese, as a symbol of the renewed commitment to their bilateral relationship. In reciprocation, Vanuatu allocated land for Fiji in Port Vila, with the agreement formalized through the efforts of Hon. Filimone Vosarogo, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, and his Vanuatu counterpart. Prime Minister Rabuka praised Vanuatu's leadership as the immediate past chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and underscored the importance of effective leadership within the MSG Secretariat. He also urged Vanuatu to support Fiji's Ocean of Peace Declaration, which will be presented at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara. In response, Prime Minister Napat commended Fiji's steadfast commitment to regional unity and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the Fijian Government. He conveyed Vanuatu's eagerness to strengthen cooperation with Fiji in areas such as climate resilience, trade, education, and regional security, reaffirming Vanuatu's support for Fiji's regional initiatives and commitment to collaboration through the MSG and Pacific Islands Forum. In closing, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked Prime Minister Napat for the productive discussions and reiterated Fiji's resolute commitment to enhancing relations with Vanuatu, benefiting both nations and the greater Pacific community. #FijiNews #CoalitionGovernment #GovernmentNews