PM Congratulates Ambassador Satu Mattila-Budich on Diplomatic Role
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama received a courtesy call from the new nonresident Ambassador of Finland to Fiji, Satu Mattila-Budich, on Thursday.
The Prime Minister congratulated Ambassador Budich on her new diplomatic role, with assurances of the Fijian Government’s support for the advancement of ongoing cooperation with Finland and European Union (EU) in areas of climate change, trade, agriculture and sustainable development.
He reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to elevate cooperation at the multilateral level and expand bilateral relations in economic recovery, women empowerment, investment, tourism and trade.
He said Fiji was grateful to Finland for its contribution to the COVAX facility through the EU, which has enabled developing nations like Fiji to access lifesaving vaccines and ultimately reopen international borders, reviving the economic recovery.
The two nations have called for more ambitious global actions, especially through the development of innovative and nature based solutions to tackle climate change.
He extended the Government’s best wishes to Ms Budich and reaffirmed that through the partnership of Fiji and Finland’s Missions in Canberra, relations would be strengthened.
Ms Budich said Finland attached great importance to its bilateral relations with Fiji, as the hub in the Pacific region.
She said Finland aspired to enhance relations with Fiji and the region, through the EU’s new strategy for the Pacific- focused on promoting a resilient, inclusive and sustainable development.
She thanked Mr Bainimarama for the opportunity to meet in person, and commended the PM for his leadership in climate change.
“There have been discussions on the way forward to strengthen cooperation, and apart from climate change and environment, women and youth empowerment are also possible areas of cooperation.”
She expressed Finland’s appreciation to the Fijian Government for its cooperation with Finland and other EU countries on the UN resolution on Ukraine.
“Our solidarity in this case, speaks to our commitment on defending rules based international order, democracy and rule of law and we very much appreciate the cooperation in this field,” Ambassador Budich added.