The official opening of the first ever, Samoan High Commission in Suva, marks a historic achievement in the advancement of Fiji and Samoa’s relations. The new High Commission premises was officially opened yesterday by the Prime Minister, Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and his counterpart Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
Prime Minister Bainimarama welcomed Prime Minister Mata’afa to Fiji and congratulated her for making history as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister. “The opportunity cannot be missed to develop and enhance cooperation and I am pleased to endorse the finalisation of a development cooperation MOU between our two countries.”He said the new High Commission signifies Samoa’s friendship and commitment to enhance its regional engagement.
“As I said last night, Fiji is the Pacific hub of trade, travel, telecommunications, and finance, and our capital is the one-stop-shop for all matters multilateral. In one trip to one city, our region’s leaders can make connections and coordinate engagement with each other and the world. A more connected Pacific is a more secure Pacific. As a major producer of food and manufactured goods, Fiji is ready to play a much larger role to support regional nutrition security, shipping, trade, and human capital.” He said Fiji and Samoa have always shared an ocean and the two nations are connected through the common challenges and aspirations. “At a time when our region is host to a contest of competing interests, our bond as Pacific nations has never mattered more. Climate action, ocean preservation, and nutrition security are the causes we choose because it is obvious, they will determine our destiny. Most of our citizens live within shouting distance of a shoreline. They are threatened by the same storms and the same rising sea. For their sake, we must speak with one voice, work with one resolve, towards the one future that guarantees our security –– a world that keeps below 1.5. degrees Celcius of warming,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said. She thanked the Fijian Government for its support in setting up the new High Commission that will allow greater levels of partnership and development opportunities for both the nations, including the Pacific region. “Samoans began this month by celebrating their 60th anniversary of independence. We’re grateful to help you celebrate this evening with another milestone for your diplomatic engagement. I look forward to Samoa’s quick recovery as you prepare to open your borders and normalize international travel this August, as I look forward to continuing to work closely with you, Madam Prime Minister, to take our bilateral relationship to new heights and work together to deliver on our Blue Pacific agenda,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said. In her remarks, Prime Minister Mata’afa said the establishment of the Samoa High Commission in Fiji is a testament of Samoa’s support for regional unity and cohesion, and to be part of the collective dialogues for deepened regionalism.
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