An enduring partnership between Fiji and New Zealand is the foundation for achieving shared goals and aspirations in areas such as resilient health care, peace and security, climate change and disaster resilience, economic reform, and joint advocacy on Pacific priorities.
This was reiterated in a meeting between Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Prime Minister Bainimarama thanked the New Zealand Government for its swift mobilisation of support to Fiji with the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and economic relief package estimated at FJD$14million (US$6.7 million).
And more recently the deployment of New Zealand medical professionals as part of the Medical Assistance Team to work alongside Fiji’s healthcare professionals in tracking and containing COVID-19.
Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to the New Zealand Government for pledging 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Fiji, which provides an opportunity for all eligible Fijians over 18 years of age to be vaccinated.
The continued expressions of warmth and generosity from our New Zealand whanau is testament to the depth of the bilateral relations between Fiji and New Zealand.
In recognition of this, the two nations are working towards a Statement of Partnership that reaffirms the everlasting bonds of friendship and explores opportunities to elevate bilateral relations.
On regional development, Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted the upcoming 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting as an opportunity for discussions on issues of importance to the region.
PM Bainimarama said Fiji and New Zealand’s partnership aspires to promote regional solidarity.
SOURCE: FIJI GOVT/PACNEWS
