The meeting marked the 36th years of friendship and commitment on cooperation to build on strengthening friendship since establishments of diplomatic ties in August 5, 1988. Furthermore, the meeting was an opportunity to strengthen collective efforts toward the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent and address common views ahead of the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for August 2024.In his remark, Ambassador Sigrah thanked Fiji’s effort in reuniting the Pacific Flock, especially returning the Northern Region back into the Pacific Island Forum (Suva Agreement).
In this respect, Prime Minister Rabuka extended his appreciation toward FSM’s contributing efforts to regional solidarity and peace while emphasizing that both countries had shared common issues during colonial times and noting that FSM was more exposed to war activities during the WWII.
He expressed sincerity in both nations’ shared challenges arising from geo-strategic competition in the Pacific Region, IUU fishing, Climate Change, and security challenges that would entail security cooperation between FSM and Fiji- Maritime Police Training while citing Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Concept for further consideration in the upcoming Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
In respect with Climate Change, PM Rabuka shared opportunities arising from Developed Partners who sought to develop studies and initiatives to combat soil inundation. In particular, he further shared PRC and Indonesia had developed initiatives to combat soil erosion. He further asked how FSM is doing with Climate Finance and further share Fiji’s commitment in combating climate change impacts, such as soil inundation to name a few.
Aside from the Sectoral developments that were discussed, Ambassador expressed the issue of connectivity embedded in the 2050 Strategy and the need to meet leaders’ aspiration in the 2050 Implementation Plan.
In reflection, Ambassador Sigrah said “The meeting today was an opportunity for us all to become more mindful of our relationship between the Federated States of Micronesia and the people of Fiji, rekindling the close ties between our two nations, and affirming FSM’s core values of peace, unity and liberty,” while commending Fiji’s exceptional leadership toward a peaceful Pacific.
Photo Courtesy: Fiji Government
