In a meeting with Samoa’s Head of State His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II O le Ao Mamalu o le Malo, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka discussed the reconvening of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting two weeks ago.
Samoa is a nation that highly values its traditional leadership structure and the belief that the high chief title links to historical genealogies which are considered sacred as it carries with them the mana of the gods.
Prime Minister Rabuka said Fiji is currently conducting wide public consultations to review the function, composition and responsibilities of the GCC.
“The GCC meeting that was held two weeks was to also consult the chiefs on the way forward.”
“In the spirit of true Pasifika unity, I hope my presence today will be seen as a commitment to further strengthen our historical relations as part of the Pacific family.
“I bring the warm greetings of our Head of State, His Excellency President Wiliame Katonivere, the People’s Coalition Government, our paramount Chiefs and the People of Fiji.
Prime Minister Rabuka said it was only right that a Prime Minister attend the independence celebrations considering Samoa is the first country in the South Pacific to gain independence.
“Excellency, I will be meeting Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa after this, and in the same spirit, I will encourage regular government to government, institution to institution and people to people contacts between our countries at all levels, as we face the challenges before us, particularly the current geopolitical environment.
“These developments augur well for our bilateral ties and our shared responsibility to the wider region.”
