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Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Yogesh Karan received a farewell courtesy call from Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency David Teaabo last Friday.
PS Karan conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to High Commissioner Teaabo for his service and commitment to enhancing the collaborations between the two nations during his tenure.
He said as Pacific Vuvale, Fiji and Kiribati have shared cordial relations and stand united on regional and global issues such as climate change and ocean conservation, achieving sustainable and inclusive recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.
PS Karan emphasised the importance of regional solidarity to advance the interests of the Blue Pacific region towards common aspirations.
Discussions at the meeting were also centred on increasing potential partnerships based on the mutual priorities of both nations.
In conclusion, PS Karan extended the Fijian Government’s best wishes to High Commissioner Teaabo as he prepares to take up his next assignment as Kiribati’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.
In response, High Commissioner Teaabo said Kiribati and Fiji have always been great Pacific neighbours within our Pacific way.
He said his tenure in Fiji has been exciting and dynamic, with the main objective to scale up the bilateral relations between Kiribati and Fiji through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Development Cooperation and the advancement of Kiribati’s interests in the multilateral domain.
High Commissioner Teaabo acknowledged the Fijian Government’s support for the safe repatriation of Kiribati nationals.
“The High Commission’s effective and efficient consular services to our nationals in Fiji during COVID-19 had been a success solely because of the kind assistance and support from the Fijian Government and the relevant Fiji private sector stakeholders.”
He said this coordination demonstrated a strong friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
“I share our Kiribati traditional blessing of Te Mauri (health), Te Raoi (peace) and Te Tabomoa (prosperity) to the Government and the people of Fiji.”
He conveyed his appreciation to the Fijian Government for the opportunity to discuss and progress issues of importance for regional development.
