Solidarity is Essential for Advancement of Regional Cooperation

We have an obligation to provide leadership and resources that will help raise the entire region. The Pacific region is not just our neighbourhood. It is our home and the home of our fellow Pacific Islanders, with whom we are forever bound and with whom we must work closely with to ensure our common future. When our neighbours advance, Fiji advances.

This message was conveyed by the Prime Minister, Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama in parliament today in reply to the end of statement on the “Importance of Regional Cooperation.”

Prime Minister Bainimarama said Fiji’s deep bonds with Pacific nations have grown in strength in recent years.

“And as never before, we have leveraged that cooperation in pursuit of the global change the planet so desperately needs.

“Because we have spoken loudly and together, we are global champions on the most important issues affecting our people. We defend our fellow Pacific nations, they defend us, and together we speak in defense of humanity against serious threats like climate change. Under these circumstances, regional co-operation not only presents an opportunity for us to overcome our problems, it is absolutely essential.

“We need to go beyond our shores to explore options, to share ideas and experiences, and to find innovative solutions to our challenges. We have done that. We are doing that,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

Prime Minister emphasised that by working in solidarity, every nation, stands a better chance at achieving our best, particularly at this time of great need.

“Fiji responded swiftly to contain COVID-19 and to keep it from entering our country. In the same manner, the Pacific region mobilized urgently with the establishment of a Pacific Humanitarian Pathway for COVID-19 (PHP-C). This mechanism provided an avenue for the quick movement of much-needed assistance into the region. Fiji played an important part in this.

“We were able to assist our Pacific Island family not only to get their nationals home and reunite them with their families, but also to move much-needed PPEs and other equipment out into the region. It has been a learning experience, one that has shown us that we will only be able to successfully weather this crisis through our joint efforts.”

“Our regional organizations, such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community (SPC), have played a huge role in this, as did our well-known international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO).”

On the advancement of regional development, PM Bainimarama said, “As Pacific Leaders, we agreed that we needed to devise a strategy that will take Fiji and the region to 2050. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent will set the future strategic direction for the region, a direction guided by sustainability, economic growth, environmental stewardship and equality.

“I am happy to report that it is currently under development and will be presented back to Pacific Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit scheduled to be held later this year.”