The signing of the Joint Declaration of Future Cooperation marks a new chapter in the advancement of bilateral relations between Fiji and New Caledonia.
The cooperation signing coincided with the Pacific Island Leaders Forum Special Retreat currently held in Nadi.
Following their meeting, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and President of New Caledonia, His Excellency Louis Mapou, signed the cooperation documents.
The Declaration covers important sectors such as tourism, environment and sustainable development; economy, commerce and investments; agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and farming amongst other key issues.
Prime Minister Rabuka thanked President Mapou for New Caledonia’s great partnership with Fiji on issues of shared priorities such as economic development and climate mitigation.
He mentioned that as Pacific island nations and territories, the two nations have much in common from similar development challenges to opportunities.
He said Fiji is pleased to embark on this new journey with New Caledonia and looks forward to further enhance the levels of cooperation.
Prime Minister Rabuka is confident that through regional solidarity, together we will be able to build a stronger future for our Pacific family.
He emphasised that Pacific Island Forum (PIF) member states must continue to look for opportunities to strengthen relations through frequent face-face interactions as is the Pacific Way.
He also reasserted Fiji’s commitment to work closely with New Caledonia and all the Pacific Island nations in advancing mutual priorities enshrined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Prime Minister is optimistic that through continued collaboration, the Pacific family will be able to finalize the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan.
In response, President Mapou thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation upon their arrival in Fiji for the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Special Retreat in Nadi.
President Mapou lauded the swift actions taken by Prime Minister Rabuka to reunite the region and for his commitment to build a better future for the Pacific people.
He pledged New Caledonia’s full support for the realization of the commitments reflected in the Joint Declaration of Future Cooperation. It symbolises a progressive partnership and kinship between Fiji and New Caledonia.
As the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Special Retreat progresses into its final day, the Pacific Leaders will deliberate on issues of great importance to the Pacific Vuvale.
