Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Bradley Tovosia has acknowledged the strong community and cultural ties between Fiji and Solomon Islands.
But more specifically for enduring presence of Solomon Islanders and their descendants in Fiji and hosting Solomon Islanders who live, study and work there.
Tovosia expressed the country’s appreciation during a courtesy call on Wednesday by the Non-resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Jackson Bernard Nato Evana.
The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, followed the His Excellency’s official visit to present his credentials to the Governor General of Solomon Islands.
Welcoming High Commissioner Evans, Acting Prime Minister Tovosia acknowledged the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and the Republic of Fiji.
“We deeply value our historical and people-to-people ties, forged through generations of shared experience and cooperation. Fiji continues to be a close and trusted Melanesian neighbour and partner.”
Hon. Tovosia acknowledged the strong community and cultural ties between the two nations, especially the enduring presence of Solomon Islanders and their descendants in Fiji, as well as the important role Fiji plays in hosting Solomon Islanders who live, study and work in Fiji.
The ActingPrime Minister expressed appreciation for Fiji’s contributions under the Solomon Islands Assistance Force following the 2021 unrest, and highlighted the positive impact of Fiji’s community-focused approach.
Solomon Islands also reaffirmed keen interest in finalising the Solomon Islands- Fiji Security Agreement currently under negotiation.
He reiterated Solomon Islands’ desire to finalise the ‘Air Services Agreement’ and noted that the draft is currently with Fiji’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
On diplomatic infrastructure, the PM (Acting) thanked the Fijian Government for offering land to Solomon Islands to build its chancery in Suva, affirming the country’s commitment to establishing its diplomatic presence in Fiji.
High Commissioner Evans, appreciated the opportunity to pay his courtesy visit to the Acting Prime Minister.
He adds, the courtesy meeting will strengthen the Solomon Islands- Fiji commitment to enhancing cooperation in a wide range of areas that benefit both our peoples.
The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of regional cooperation through the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Pacific Islands Forum.
He congratulated Solomon Islands, host of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this year.
The Acting Prime Minister and His Excellency Evans underlined shared commitment to regional priorities such as climate change mitigation, sustainable ocean governance, and economic development under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
– OPMC
