His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, the President of the Republic of Fiji, officiated at the commissioning of Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, at the State House this morning (22/06/22).
President Katonivere congratulated High Commissioner Kubuabola on his new diplomatic assignment and wished him all the best for the new role.
High Commissioner Kubuabola said it was an honour for him to represent Fiji in New Zealand and further develop the relationship between the two countries at all levels.
He further thanked Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama for the opportunity to serve in New Zealand, a country that has long-standing historical links with Fiji.
“I would like to negotiate on increasing the number of Fijians currently allowed to participate in the Registered Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE), there are now over 400 labourers from Fiji that are involved in this scheme in a season. We are keen to explore new sectors of employment within RSE given the demand for skilled labour from Fiji,” he said.
Kubuabola said the longstanding relations and bonds of friendship that were further elevated with the signing of the Duavata Partnership formally signed in March this year, by Prime Minister Bainimarama and New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta; provided an exciting framework for growth and development in the next few years.
He pledged his commitment to strengthen all levels of engagement and advance both national interests and that of the Blue Pacific.
“I look forward to building on the momentum created by the recent signing of the Duavata Partnership, to further advance collaboration between Fiji and New Zealand in the key areas: Partnership, Democracy and Values, Economic Resilience, Security, Social Well-being, and Climate Change and Disaster Resilience.
