Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka met with the Tongan Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni as Members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika.
The meeting convened at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) was an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the key areas of collaboration ahead of the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) to be held in Tonga, from 26-30 August 2024.
The Prime Ministers focused particularly on key issues relating to the management of the Forum that goes to the heart of leadership and its transition at PIF.
In the process the Troika received a briefing from the PIF Secretariat on processes leading up to the Leaders’ meeting that will address issues to be considered by the Leaders in Tonga.
The Prime Ministers further explored avenues to optimize funding streams aimed at supporting PIF Members deal with the impacts of the climate crisis.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional cooperation to advance economic development and address resilience in the face of climate change, among issues of importance to the welfare of the Pacific family.
Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s support and best wishes to Prime Minister Sovaleni as his country prepares to host the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53).
Further, Prime Minister Rabuka said Fiji will continue to work closely with Tonga and other Pacific Island countries to delivering the goals of the 2050 Strategy, particularly in improving the livelihoods and prospects of our Pacific people while continuing to advance regional solidarity and prosperity.
The meeting also highlighted prospects to further enhance the diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two nations in view of their shared history, cultural and traditional kinship and collective participation at regional forums and on the global stage.
The meeting demonstrated the renewed commitment to unity by the two friendly nations and the shared undertaking of the two leaders to stand together with the Pacific family in building a peaceful and prosperous region.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Sovaleni commended Prime Minister Rabuka for his vision of the Pacific as the Ocean for Peace.
Further, Prime Minister Sovaleni expressed appreciation at Prime Minister Rabuka’s insights and recalled the exceptional work he had demonstrated in reuniting the region at a pivotal moment of the Pacific’s history that saw Kiribati rejoining the Forum family.
The Tongan Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Rabuka at the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting and he is grateful for Fiji’s remarkable support and cooperation.
