UAE commemorates 47th National Day celebrations

The enhanced bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Fiji was commended at the UAE’s 47th National Day celebrations held yesterday in Suva. The event was attended by His Excellency, the President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote and the senior government officials, cabinet ministers, representatives of business agencies and members of the diplomatic corp.

UAE National Day which stands for UAE Union Day, signifies the anniversary of the union between the six emirates on 2 December 1971. A major highlight of the UAE National Day celebrations was the UAE’s broad collaboration globally and its reachout to Pacific Island nations.

Speaking at the event, the United Arab Emirates Non-Resident Ambassador accredited to Fiji, His Excellency, Mr Saleh Ahmed Alsuwaidi commended the bilateral cooperation between Fiji and UAE which has created the platform for socioeconomic development opportunities.

Mr Alsuwaidi emphasised on UAE’s on-going commitment to promote multiculturalism, peace and unity among nations is one of the core principles of establishing diplomacy regionally and internationally.

“The UAE and Pacific Island Nations are enjoying a growing partnership, based on desire to build solid platform to encounter all challenges together. In that tone, the UAE set up the Pacific Partnership Fund, which responds to Pacific Island countries’ urgent call to develop their access to renewable energy sources. The Fund is already allocating $50 million in grants for renewable energy projects in Pacific Island countries. This fund already delivered 11 projects .

“The UAE looks forward to Fiji’s active participation in the coming Expo2020 to be held in Dubai. The Expo2020 will be Special event for Pacific because for the first time in the history of Expo, each Pacific country is dedicated an individual pavilion to present and market their products, economy, and beautiful history and culture.”

Mr Alsuwaidi highlighted that through the strengthened collaboration between the UAE and Fiji, there is huge potential for greater trade and investment cooperation.

In response, the Chief of Protocol at the Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jonetani Tagivetaua expressed gratitude and appreciation to UAE for its commitment to Fiji’s national development. He elaborated that through 8 years of Fiji’s and UAE’s diplomatic relations, Fiji has progressively undertaken the development programs through the finalisation of a number of MOU’s/MOAs, the recent one being the MOU with the UAE Red Crescent to support the Government’s Adopt a School Program signed last month in Fiji.

UAE has been applauded for its leadership role that it has demonstrated internationally through various positive climate initiatives and its commitment towards advancing the global peace and security.

Fiji established formal diplomatic relations with the UAE on the 17th of March 2010 and Fiji’s first Embassy in the Middle East and North Africa region opened in Abu Dhabi in September 2012.