Fijian Government and SPC reaffirm partnership
THE Fijian Government and Pacific Community (SPC) have pledged unwavering commitment and partnership for the advancement of a more resilient and sustainable future for Fiji and the Pacific region. This was reinforced during the courtesy call paid to the Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Yogesh Karan from the Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), Dr. Stuart Minchin. At the meeting held recently at the office of the Prime Minister, discussions focused on the current areas of engagements and the way forward to strengthen partnership between the Fijian Government and SPC.
Mr Karan acknowledged SPC’s timely support to Fiji and the region during times of great need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He commended SPC for the strategic approach taken to develop Fiji’s Country Programme, tailored to Fiji’s national priorities and national development framework.
Mr Karan also assured the Fijian Government’s support for this new initiative which, will broaden the scope of programs aimed at the empowerment of communities in Fiji and the region.
He reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to regional solidarity, in addressing common challenges and exploring opportunities for resilient recovery post-COVID-19 and climate change.
The importance of 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent in the advancement of regional prosperity, was also highlighted at the meeting. He extended the Fijian Government’s appreciation to Dr. Minchin for his leadership and commitment to Fiji and the region, with assurances of Fijian Government’s support to elevate the levels of cooperation in mutual interests. Dr. Minchin said that, “SPC enjoys strong support from the Government of Fiji as host country to SPC’s biggest regional office. “We commit to working together to maximise development opportunities for Pacific Island countries and territories as we face the manifest challenges of climate change, disasters and COVID-19 recovery in our region.”