Familiarization Program Visit a way forward for Fiji

Heads of Missions, High Commissioners, non-resident ambassadors accredited to Fiji have been encouraged to share opportunities that exist for strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, sports, tourism and multilateralism.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs Hon. Inia Seruiratu while speaking at the opening of the two-day Familiarization Visit program held in Suva today.

Minister Seruiratu said Fiji is looking to strengthen bilateral cooperation with both developing and developed economies through facilitative arrangements that are mutually beneficial.

“While the global trading system has benefited immensely from the advent of the internet, e-commerce and new technology, enhancing our people-to-people links require easier cross-border access.”

“To that end, Fiji has been and is pursuing visa exemption arrangements with partners that are willing to do so. We all know how vital this is, to fostering stronger relationships and enduring partnerships.”

Minister Seruiratu adds there are opportunities available for our countries to jointly support development in the Pacific region.

“Fiji is committed to working in partnership with your countries to deliver targeted assistance to our regional neighbours. A key and obvious priority for the Pacific island countries is tackling climate change.”

“Fiji is humbled to have played an active part in helping to operationalize the Paris Agreement during its tenure as President of the 23rd Session of the UN climate conference. We now have a ‘rulebook’ agreed at COP 24 in Poland that enables us to better implement the Paris Agreement.”

While Fiji prepares for UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit next month in New York, Minister Seruiratu adds it is imperative that every country is focused on providing ambitious national targets and initiatives that will enable the international community to avert catastrophic climate disaster.