EU AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES THE PACIFIC TO BECOME ECONOMIC PARTNERS

SUJIRO SEAM, THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) AMBASSADOR TO THE PACIFIC ANNOUNCES END OF TENURE.

Sujiro Seam, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Pacific, is urging Fiji and the Pacific region to alter their perception of the EU solely as a development partner, and instead view them as an economic partner as well.

Mr Seam conveyed this message to a delegation from the Fiji Government, led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a dedicated reception commemorating Europe Day 2023, held onboard the French naval ship, the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Dixmude on Tuesday evening.

Mr Seam also announced that his tenure as the EU Ambassador for the Pacific would soon end.

He did not give details. “We managed to have a stronger relationship now that the borders are open with more frequent visits to the Pacific,” Mr Seam said.

“So, the latest one was Her Royal Highness Mary, the crown princess of Denmark.”

“Looking ahead, now that the borders are open, I wish that we continue this string of high-level visits which brings us closer.

“I hope the Prime Minister of Fiji will have a chance, of more than 20 years, to travel back to Europe, maybe to reopen the Fijian embassy in Brussels.”

Progress

Over the past six years, Mr Seam has brought about significant changes for Fiji and the Pacific region.

Under his leadership, stronger relationships have been built between the Pacific and EU financial institutions, with the opening of the Office of the European Investment Bank and other European institutions being just a few examples.

He stated that this collaboration was a step towards bringing the European business community to Fiji and the Pacific, ultimately leading to increased growth and trade opportunities for the region.

He also announced that a first-of-itskind EU-Fiji trade forum would take place on June 19th, where pivotal economic trade and development decisions will be on the agenda.

Photo: Jone Salusalu/ DEPTFO From left: Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics Biman Prasad, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the commanding officer of Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Dixmude, Captain Emmanuel Mocard on May 9, 2023. Inset left: French Navy brass band entertains the crowd.

Photo: Jone Salusalu. European Union (EU) ambassador to the Pacific Sujiro Seam and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the dedicated reception commemorating Europe Day on May 9, 2023.