Peace and prosperity highlighted for Europe Day

THE President, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama attended the 2022 Europe Day celebrations recently.

The function which was hosted by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Sujiro Seam, and Mrs Jane Seam at their residence saw attendance from cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations and friends.

In acknowledging the presence of the guests, Ambassador Seam shared the significance of the celebration, noting peace and togetherness to be a key achievement.

“I would like all of us to count our blessings because this is a rare opportunity considering COVID-19 pandemic taking a heavy toll on the world and the Pacific,” he said.

“I would also like to remember those who are less fortunate, starting with our friends in Ukraine – the victims of this Russian invasion, which is unprovoked and unjustified and the Europeans have done everything we could to help them and we have been very fortunate to count on our friends in Fiji for being steadfast in calling for the end of the war.”

“As we celebrate the day of Europe, I want to recommit to the Pacific, to the fight of the shared values we have for peace and democracy to pursue our current priorities to fight climate change, to protect the oceans, to achieve sustainable development and remind the rest of the world that we are friends,” Ambassador Seam added.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in his congratulatory message to Charles Michel extended his best wishes to the people of Europe and the European Union Member States.

“We celebrate alongside our friends and allies in the European Union this special day, marking the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration and the values of peace, cooperation among States, in Europe,” he said.

“Fiji is proud of its longstanding relations with the European Union, and I look forward to the next chapter of our friendship, marked by the New Partnership Agreement that will pave the way for our enhanced political, economic and development cooperation over the next 20 years.”

Prime Minister Bainimarama acknowledged and praised the European Union Member States, and its people for their enduring strength and resolve amidst the current crisis and conveyed warm wishes for their continued success and pros