Pacific Island Commonwealth member states meet with Commonwealth Secretary-General Elect, Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Jovilisi Suveinakama, recently, had the honour of meeting with the incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General (SG), Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to extend congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the President of the Republic of Fiji His Excellency, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the people of Fiji. High Commissioner Suveinakama acknowledged the continued collaboration and shared commitment of the Commonwealth Family in promoting peace and properity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth.

At the meeting convened in London, the representatives from Pacific Member States, including Fiji, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea (PNG), expressed their support for Hon. Botchwey’s term in office. The Pacific States underscored their backing for the Secretary-General’s vision for the Commonwealth Family, with emphasis on strengthening the relevance and legacy of the bloc in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The incoming SG outlined her key priorities, highlighting the importance of good governance, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring that the Commonwealth’s efforts are aligned with the interests and priorities of its member states. She also stressed the need for regional representation, the establishment of regional centres of excellence, and the continued engagement with the diverse geographical and priority commonalities and differences of member states. Focus will also be directed towards ensuring accountability, establishment of equitable monitoring and evaluation mechanism; and addressing the multiplicity of overhead and budget. Fiji joined the fellow Pacific member states in supporting the ongoing consultation process on the Commonwealth’s new Strategic Plan.

High Commissioner Suveinakama took the opportunity to brief Hon. Botchwey on Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Concept led by the Prime Minister Rabuka; the first of such Concept with the Declaration envisaged to be finalized at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM) in Honiara, Solomon Islands in September this year.

Additionally, as the host of the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM) scheduled for next year February, Fiji informed that the preparations for the high-level forum is progressing well.

Further, Fiji greatly supports the priority of establishing Regional Presence offices, viewing them as an extension of the Secretariat’s role in coordinating and facilitating programs and initiatives in the region. This will also contribute significantly to the implementation of the 2050 Blue Ocean Strategy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).

In a gesture of appreciation, Hon. Botchwey thanked High Commissioner Suveinakama and expressed her sincere gratitude to the Government and the people for the warm welcome accorded to her during her campaign visit to Fiji. The incoming Secretary-General looks forward to visiting Fiji and the wider Pacific region during her tenure.

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Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Jovilisi Suveinakama meets with Commonwealth Secretary-General Elect, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in an effort to strengthen the ongoing collaboration among Commonwealth Family.