Fiji’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka has met with the President of Nauru, David Adeang, during his visit to Fiji Wednesday.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss prospects for deepened collaboration between the two countries and in the build up to upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga from 26-30 August 2024.
The leaders expressed their commitment to work collaboratively to advance regional security, peace and prosperity and to build a resilient, secure and stronger future for the Pacific peoples.
Further, the leaders also discussed Prime Minister Rabuka’s concept of the “Ocean of Peace”, which will be presented to the Pacific Islands Leaders at the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. President Adeang expressed Nauru’s commitment to working closely with Fiji in advancing the concept.
They exchanged views on how the two nations can work closely at the bilateral level to advance shared priorities particularly in economic resilience, labour mobility, education, countering transnational organised crime, climate change and sustainable development.
They focused on cooperation through trade, tourism, aviation, connectivity and engagements through Fijian diaspora in Nauru and, conversely, Nauruan community in Fiji was also among the key issues discussed.
The two leaders cited the crucial work that is being pursued by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat under the leadership of the new Secretary-General of the Forum Secretariat, Baron Waqa.
President Adeang conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Rabuka for his role in reuniting the Forum family when he visited Kiribati in January 2023 that also allowed Micronesia to play its part in the Forum family. The two leaders exchanged views on regional unity and solidarity, underpinned by the Pacific Way of mutual respect, reconciliation and friendship.
They recognised the need for agreed principles of engagement with development partners in the region so that we engage with them from a position of strength.
In conclusion, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen historical ties, and cooperation on development between the two nations and their peoples.
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Rabuka, President Adeang also met with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Secretary-General Baron Waqa.
