PM Rabuka pays tribute to the late Māori King, Kiingi Teheitia Pootatau Ye Wherowhero VII
02/09/2024
Prime Minister Rabuka attends a high-level meeting with Pacific Leaders and World Bank President
05/09/2024Published On: 05/09/2024
The Government of Fiji yesterday extended a traditional ceremony of welcome for the World Bank Group President Mr. Ajay Banga, during the first of such historic visit undertaken to Fiji by the World Bank’s high-ranking official in the last 50 years.
The government delegation at the ceremony was led by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, and in attendance were also the cabinet ministers, members of parliament, members of diplomatic corps and senior government officials.
In his remarks, Mr. Banga conveyed his appreciation to the Government of Fiji for the kind hospitality and traditional welcome accorded to him upon his arrival in Fiji, this afternoon.
He stated that the visit is an opportunity to strengthen collaborative partnership between the World Bank and Fiji, notably in shared commitment to advance the economic growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.
While in Fiji, Mr. Banga will meet with senior government officials and Pacific Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), to scope the prospects for stronger cooperation between the World Bank and the Pacific region. Prime Minister Rabuka is expected to attend the meeting at the PIFS, tomorrow.
This visit underscores the World Bank’s ongoing dedication to fostering strong partnerships and supporting sustainable growth in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
The World Bank, has been working in Fiji for 53 years since 1971 and hosts the World Bank Regional Office in Suva.
Over these years, the World Bank has supported various initiatives in Fiji with projects on transport, health, climate change, tourism and digital connection to mention a few.
The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It has unique global partnerships comprising 5 (five) institutions with shared commitment to reducing poverty, advancing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development.
Mr. Ajay Banga is the 14th President of the World Bank Group and is the first-ever Indian American to head the bank. He began his five-year term as World Bank Group President on June 2, 2023.
