Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is looking forward to advancing his vision of the Blue Pacific region as an “Ocean of Peace” when he meets U.S congress members, prominent leaders and business figures at the National Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington this week.
Since first attending the Prayer Breakfast in 1992, when he was introduced to the event by the former President and Prime Minister, the late Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Rabuka has remained a committed participant.
For him, the event not only encourages fellowship and discussions on good governance, but also provides an opportunity for networking and reaffirming the principles of democratic stewardship.
This year, PM Rabuka aims to highlight the Ocean of Peace concept at the prestigious event, a vision which is expected to be adopted and declared in the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the Solomon Islands later this year.
“As Pacific nations, we are bound by the vast ocean that connects us, and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains a region of peace that fosters regional cooperation by transcending the diversity of cultures and geography within the Blue Pacific region,” PM Rabuka stated.
“I will be meeting with some notable members of the U.S congress, including Senator Ed Case, Senator Mike Lee and Senator Kevin Kramer and I look forward to discussing issues of common interest not only for Fiji but also the wider Pacific region.”
In describing the importance of the concept, PM Rabuka asserted that it signifies the “Pacific Way” and recognises the right of the people to peace, at the same time, reaffirming the strong resolve of our people to maintain and strengthen international peace and security.
As Fiji remains committed to strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, PM Rabuka hopes that the concept will be seen as a beacon of hope that could spur on the evolution of our region’s longstanding commitment to peace and prosperity for our peoples.
The concept was introduced by PM Rabuka during his national address at the UN General Assembly in 2023, where he shed light on the collective need of the Pacific to be a Zone of Peace or a Zone of Non-Aligned Territories.