Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama met with the Australian Minister for Environment and Water, Honourable Tanya Plibersek along the margins of the second UN Ocean High-Level Conference in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday (28/06/22).
The Prime Minister congratulated Minister Plibersek for her appointment to the new ministerial role and pledged the Fijian Government’s commitment to working closely with the Australian Government in advancing shared aspirations such as climate action, oceans, and sustainable socio-economic development.
He said through the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, the levels of engagement have continued to strengthen over the years, and the recent visit by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Penny Wong has reaffirmed the exemplary partnership and strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.
The Prime Minister outlined the key priorities for Fiji at the UN Ocean Conference, which are to address the role of the ocean in climate mitigation and adaptation; promote the transition to sustainable shipping; combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and end harmful subsidies; create synergies and partnerships cross-sectoral levels, including with the private sector; and promote innovative financing opportunities to reinforce actions for sustainable development of the ocean.
He said Fiji looks forward to Australia’s support in advancing common goals on oceans and Sustainable Development Goal 14 and progressively achieving the oceans-climate pathway in the lead up to COP-27 and beyond.
In his capacity as the Pacific Island Forum Chair, Prime Minister Bainimarama also provided an update on the PIF Leaders Meeting scheduled for next month in Suva.
He said Fiji looks forward to hosting the Australian Prime Minister Honourable Anthony Albanese and fellow Pacific Leaders at the meeting which will pave the way forward to strengthen regional solidarity and discuss pertinent issues facing the region in the spirit of the Pacific Way through dialogue and Talanoa.
In response, Minister Plibersek commended Prime Minister Bainimarama for his unwavering commitment and strong leadership on global issues of climate and oceans.
She said Australia stands in solidarity with Fiji and the region and the Vuvale Partnership attests to our shared commitment to building a stronger Pacific family by collectively addressing common challenges like climate change and the impacts of the pandemic.
