Prime Minister Rabuka and Prime Minister Mata’afa Discuss Development Objectives

Furthering Fiji and Samoa’s development cooperation was discussed in meeting between Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and the Prime Minister of Samoa Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa on Friday. The bilateral meeting took place at the ‘fale ole malo i apia’; Samoa’s government buildings located in the capital city Apia.

Prime Minister Rabuka and Prime Minister Mata’afa agreed that officials would have to meet to undertake the necessary work for implementation.

“At the outset, please allow me on behalf of the Fiji delegation, to express our deepest appreciation to you, your Cabinet Ministers, Government officials, the Chiefs and Elders of the community for the warm hospitality and welcome accorded to us, since our arrival,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.

The Leader of Government provided an update on the recent developments in Fiji.

“Madam Prime Minister, we are indeed honoured to be here in Samoa and to join you and the people of Samoa in celebrating this historical milestone, marking the 61st Independence Anniversary of Samoa.

“It is also an opportune time to reflect on your journey as an independent, sovereign country and renew our collective aspiration to address the challenges of the 21st century. It is even more special for me, as it marks my first visit to Samoa since taking Office five months ago, on Christmas Eve, last year.”

The two leaders also discussed the upcoming forum leaders’ meetings; the progress on the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, and the future of the University of the South Pacific.

While Prime Minister Rabuka provided an update on the reconvening of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting, Prime Minister Mata’afa shared Samoa’s experience with the integration of democracy and their traditional governance.

Fiji and Samoa’s Development Cooperation Agreement was signed at the Forum Special Leaders Meeting in February this year.

Prime Minister Rabuka was presented a fine mat at the end of the meeting.