Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka today held a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional unity in the Pacific.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his gratitude to Hon. Tagelagi for the opportunity to meet virtually, reflecting on the evolving diplomatic relationship between Fiji and Niue.
He stated that while the ties between Fiji and Niue have long endured, our formal bilateral relationship is still in its early stages, having been officially established in 2023.
The PM noted the growing momentum in the two nations’ relationship, citing the recent accreditation of a non-resident High Commissioner to Niue from Fiji’s Mission in New Zealand and a proposal to appoint an Honorary Consul for Fiji in Niue.
These initiatives further support the small yet vibrant Fijian community in Niue and facilitate deeper people-to-people links.
Further, the leaders also discussed regional matters, particularly, the importance of unity in the face of increasing geopolitical interest in the Pacific.
For this, he emphasised his vision of the Pacific as the “Ocean of Peace”, adding that Fiji’s priority has always been to maintain the unity and solidarity of the Pacific Vuvale.
Prime Minister Rabuka, at the same time, respectfully sought the support of PM Tagelagi and the Government of Niue for the forthcoming Ocean of Peace declaration, which is expected to be considered by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their Meeting in Honiara in September.
As Fiji prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group next month, Prime Minister Rabuka underscored the potential of sub-regionalism as a “building block and bedrock” of Pacific regionalism.
The Prime Minister added that Fiji looks forward to more collaboration between Pacific sub-regional groups.
In closing, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked PM Tagelagi for the opportunity to meet virtually and expressed optimism for stronger cooperation between Fiji and Niue and among all Pacific Island nations.
PM Tagelagi, in his response, shared similar sentiments, expressing his gratitude to PM Rabuka for the wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss ways of further strengthening bilateral relations between Fiji and Niue.
On the regional front, Prime Minister Tagelagi commended PM Rabuka for his leadership in advancing regional security efforts, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment and deep passion for the safety and stability of the Pacific region.
He added that promoting peace and harmony is not only vital for individual nations but also for the Pacific region.
Given our longstanding reputation as a peaceful region, PM Tagelagi asserted that it is important that we lead by example as this effort is also closely aligned with the values and objectives of the Ocean of Peace framework.
He concluded by stating that Niue will continue to work with Fiji in areas of common interest and shared aspirations, as well as, advancing regional solidarity.
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