Photo: Prime Ministers Marape and Rabuka in Suva, Fiji
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says Fiji and Papua New Guinea must work together for the greater good of the Pacific Islands’ family of nations.
He said this on Tuesday (February 21, 2023) after a bilateral meeting with Fiji Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva. PM Rabuka is also Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Discussions centred on economic and trade relationships between Fiji and PNG, people-to-people relationships, co-operation and exchange between public servants, military relationships and police relationships. PM Marape said this would be for beneficial for both countries, Melanesia and the PIF family.
The two leaders also agreed to give each other land in their respective capitals to build their diplomatic missions.
PM Marape also congratulated PM Rabuka on being re-elected on December 24, 2022 for a third time. He was first democratically elected as Prime Minister of Fiji, serving from 1992-199, and again in 2002.
He alluded to the strong relationship between the two nations forged by pioneer leaders, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of Fiji, and Sir Michael Somare of PNG.
“Mr Prime Minister, and your country, you and me walk under the shadows of great men who walked ahead of us,” PM Marape said.
“Our nations have a shared history. We, even before being grouped as countries, were living on this part of Earth. Our ancestors were travelling on high seas. We have a common heritage, a common bond, we belong to one Pacific, one Melanesia.
“It is only proper, as you assume leadership, for Papua New Guinea to come and give our respect in that context. Papua New Guinea and Fiji, working side-by-side, will ensure that we stabilise the canoe that is taking our people with us, will ensure that the future is bright for our people is as far as development is concerned.”
PM Marape thanked PM Rabuka, as Chair of the PIF, for bringing back Kiribati into the PIF family after it withdrew last July.
“Papua New Guinea stands ready to work in partnership, as you once again lead your country, and are ready to offer our support,” he said.
PM Marape arrived in Nausori Airport, Suva, to a red-carpet welcome on Monday night (February 20, 2023) with a colorful welcome by Fiji police and military.
He was accompanied by Enga Governor Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, Nipa-Kutubu MP Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, Hiri-Koari MP Hon. Keith Iduhu and Kundiawa Gembogl MP Hon. Muguwa Dilu.
PM Marape also paid a courtesy call on Fiji President, H.E. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, at the State House on Tuesday.
He then headed to the Pearl Resort Hotel, owned by PNG through Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), to meet and hold discussions with PNG business community.
