On the instigation of the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, the diplomatic machinery kicked into gear on Saturday 7 October at the news of the outbreak of rocket fires into Israel.
The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), established an Operation Centre over the past 3 days to coordinate efforts to repatriate the 198 Fiji nationals and 48 fellow Pacific and international Pilgrims.
Much gratitude is owed to the Hon. Prime Minister for his astute leadership during this situation. The arms of government and outside of government were able to kick into gear with his clear decisions and directions. The result that we celebrate today is a demonstration of his leadership. Vinaka saka vakalevu.
The Ministry would also like to acknowledge our Missions in New York, Canberra and Abu Dhabi for their quick actions and work behind the scenes through negotiations, facilitation, providing information on the ground and preparing contingencies to support planning at our Suva HQ.
We also acknowledge with thanks the initiative and assurance of support the Israel Embassy in Canberra and its Honorary Consul in Suva, and the US Embassy in Suva provided, reaffirming the close ties between our countries.
This was not an ordinary flight for Fiji Airways, to fly to an uncertain space in a time of conflict.
Their forward-positioning of an aircraft in Hong Kong to be ready at a moment’s notice to operate within a tight time window at Ben Gurion airport speaks volume of their expertise and commitment to service. To the management, pilots and crews, we recognise their courage, sense of duty and faith in pulling off this mission. To them we owe much gratitude.
To the pilgrims themselves, we are thankful for their support from the start of the conflict. They provided information and updates from where they were, they kept to movement schedules when timing was critical. We thank them for their high spirit, faith and prayers.
Included in the repatriation were the 13 students from Navuso Agriculture College who had just commenced their studies in Israel before the conflict started.
The repatriation flight, FJ2394, arrived at 3.23AM this morning, Thursday 12th October 2023, into Nadi International Airport.
Prime Minister Rabuka was at the airport to receive them home, led by the Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi. A traditional welcome ceremony of ‘Vakasenuqanuqa’ with the presence of the Momo Na Tui Nadi, the CEO of Fiji Airways and other senior officials was performed to welcome them.
As we celebrate the return of our Fijian and Pacific Island Pilgrims, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mindful of the ongoing conflict in Israel and ask for prayers, for the people and State of Israel who are suffering through this crisis.
