‘A CONNECTED PACIFIC IS A SECURE PACIFIC’
SAMOA OPENS FIRST DIPLOMATIC MISSION OFFICE HERE. Fiji ready to play a larger role to support regional nutrition security, shipping trade, and human capital: Commission is a testament of Samoa’s support for regional unity and cohesion.
Amore connected Pacific is a more secure Pacific, said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while opening Samoa’s diplomatic office on Tuesday.
The opening marks an achievement for Samoa as the country celebrates 60 years of independence from New Zealand.
This is the 10th Pacific country to have a mission office in Fiji.
Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, and Mr Bainimarama officiated at the opening of the Samoa High Commission, located along McGregor Rd, Suva.
While congratulating the diplomatic move, Mr Bainimarama said Fiji was the hub of trade, travel telecommunications and finance and it could help Samoa tremendously.
“Fiji is ready to play a much larger role to support regional nutrition security, shipping trade, and human capital,” he said.
“Most of our citizens live within shouting distance of a shoreline. They are threatened by the same storms and the same rising seas for their sake. We must speak with one voice and work with one resolve.”
He said the opening of the office showed Samoa’s interest in building
a friendship with Fiji and ramping up its regional engagement.
“Your leadership brings new energy, perspective and dynamism to our partnership,” PM Bainimarama said.
“I look forward to Samoa’s quick recovery as you prepare to open your borders and normalise international travel this August, as I look forward to continuing to work closely with you.”
Ms Mata’afa said the opportunity to open its diplomatic mission in Fiji coincided with the invitation of some Pacific leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.
“The decision to join the majority of our Pacific community to set up office in Fiji is a testament of our support for regional unity and cohesion, and to be part of the collective dialogues of a deepened regionalism,” she said.
She thanked the Fijian Government for allowing Samoa to set up an office here.
“As the first independent nation, we have been slow to come. However, that delay has allowed us to fill one of our most senior diplomats to open this office in Fiji after a long sojourn in New York, in the United Nations,” she said.
“The opportunity cannot be missed, to develop and enhance cooperation.”
She also said good relationships would allow the two countries to pursue many ‘win-win’ opportunities together.
The event was attended by other dignitaries from the Pacific and around the world.