Congratulations,

PACIFIC Island leaders have joined their global counterparts in congratulating the new Prime Minister for Fiji and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka.

In a congratulatory letter, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamè Naomi Mata’afa, on behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, extended her warmest congratulations to Mr Rabuka for being elected as Fiji’s new Prime Minister.

“Your election as leader of the multi-party coalition demonstrates the confidence and trust of your people in your deep-rooted leadership,” said Prime Minister Mata’afa.

“I look forward to working closely with you to further enhance and strengthen the friendship, co-operation and partnership between our two countries as well as advancing regionalism in our Blue Pacific continent through the 2050 Strategy.”

In a congratulatory message by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat director general, Leonard Louma commended Mr Rabuka for his strong leadership and commitment to the development of Fiji and the Pacific region.

“Your successful election to lead the country again is a testimony of the high regard with which the people of Fiji attach to your leadership. Moreover, it does signify in an emphatic way a desire by the Fiji people for change which you so eloquently championed during your campaign.

“Like other countries, in the region, Fiji continues to encounter its own share of challenges as a nation. The onset of COVID-19 and its attendant ramifications have exacerbated the challenges. I am confident that under your leadership, Fiji will build on the successes so far and will be able to address these challenges effectively.”

Mr Louma said the MSG was proud to acknowledge the Prime Minister’s critical role in strengthening the sub-regional organisation.

“It was during your tenure as Prime Minister that you took the bold move to recognise Fiji as a Melanesian Country and officially joined the Melanesian Spearhead

Group as the fifth Member in 1996. MSG, with Fiji’s active participation, has since grown from strength to strength, both politically and economically.”

He reasserted the MSG’s commitment to work closely with Mr Rabuka and his Government in advancing the interests and welfare of our Pacific family.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare congratulated and extended his best wishes to Mr Rabuka and the people of Fiji.

“Your experience and wealth of knowledge in the role will no doubt take Fiji to new heights. As your close neighbour, I stand ready to work with you on all issues of mutual concerns to further enhance bilateral, subregional, regional and multilateral