The Commonwealth family has pledged its unwavering support to the #FijianGovernment in its efforts to achieve resilient recovery from the #COVID19 pandemic, tackling climate change and promote sustainable development.
This was conveyed during a phone call this morning, between Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland.
The phone call was in appreciation of #Fiji and the Commonwealth’s ongoing partnership and cooperation, in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2022) scheduled this month from 20-25 June, in Kigali-Rwanda.
The discussion reinforced the Commonwealth and Fiji’s strengthened cooperation in the post pandemic era and in collectively building back better from global challenges.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Commonwealth’s support for Fiji and the region, particularly in the areas of Trade and Economic Recovery, Health and Vaccine Equity, Climate Change and Connectivity.
He expressed his appreciation to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland for her exemplary commitment to the advancement of Commonwealth family and their common interests.
The Prime Minister outlined progressive steps taken by Fiji in building climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster readiness, with a renewed focus on environmentally sustainable development and conservation.
He extended his best wishes to Secretary General and the Commonwealth Secretariat as they prepare for the CHOGM 2022, and conveyed Fiji’s continued support.
In his capacity as the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Prime Minister took the opportunity to inform the Secretary General on the upcoming plans of the Forum, particularly the PIF Leaders meeting scheduled next month in Suva.
The Prime Minister is optimistic that with support of the Commonwealth family, the Pacific region would be able to address the common challenges and build back better and sustainably.
In response, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland commended Prime Minister Bainimarama for his decisive leadership on climate actions and his commitment for regional and global solidarity.
She reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s continued support for Fiji and the region, in accelerating actions on shared aspirations mainly in climate and oceans, and economic recovery from the pandemic.
*Below is a picture of Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, meeting on the margins of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP26 in Glasgow, last year.
