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NZ - Fiji Reaffirm Commitment to Enhance Diplomatic Collaborations |
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ADiplomatic relations between Fiji and New Zealand has escalated to greater heights this week as New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Right Honorable Winston Raymond Peters made a bilateral visit to Fiji. “NZ’s Pacific reset could not have come at a better time, and Fiji welcomes the opportunity to deepen the partnership shared between our countries. This visit will prove to be a major step forward in enhancing partnership at the diplomatic level. “We share enduring friendship, one that is rooted in the strength of the people to people ties, which connects us and supported by trade and investment,” Minister Seruiratu said. In his remarks, Deputy NZ Hon. Winston Peters reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to work together with Fiji to pursue common goals of prosperity and sustainable development. He also pointed out the importance of the Pacific Reset Program and pledged New Zealand’s support for Fiji’s leadership in championing climate change. “Almost a year ago I gave an address to the Lowy Institute in Australia called “Shifting the Dial”, in which I outlined the new principles and re-energised approach that New Zealand would take to working with and in the Pacific and the governments. This has become more commonly known as the “Pacific Reset”. In the Reset, we promised more resources, and we will delivered $714m over the next four years. The government has promised support to tackle priority issues in the Pacific, especially climate change.” “We have already supported Fiji’s COP23 Presidency, and have announced a further $1.5 million to support the establishment of the Pacific regional NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) hub in Suva. There is a lot more to come, and we are interested in partnering with Fiji on innovative climate change policy and other new initiatives. “In order to help deliver on these commitments, we are strengthening our High Commission in Suva. We are establishing two new positions, a new Counsellor role dedicated to the Fiji relationship, and a new First or Second Secretary role to strengthen our engagement with regional and multilateral organisations,” Hon.Winston Peters elaborated.
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Several members of Public Accounts Committee of the Fijian Parliament visiting Wellington this week took advantage of a visit to the Wellington City Council’s Southern Landfill yesterday to glean a few ideas for waste management in Fiji. This included the Hon. Alexander O’Connor, Assistant Minister for Health, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Opposition parliamentarian and Ms. Priya Chand, Parliamentary Secretary who were accompanied by the Fiji High Commission New Zealand staff.
The Southern landfill is an impressive setup particularly as it focuses on recycling and minimising the damage to the environment at the landfill.
Other remarkable features of the landfill were its gas collection, electricity regeneration, green waste mulching and water table management. The Hon. O’Connor, an engineer by profession, was particularly impressed and intends to develop a few ideas for the Fijian Government to consider.
The PAC members were invited to attend the Pacific PAC training seminar in Wellington facilitated by UNDP from the 12th to the 13th December.
The PAC members, including Deputy Chair, Hon. Mohammed Dean, MP, were hosted to afternoon tea at the Fiji Chancery. It was an opportunity for the Parliamentarians to meet the Locally Engaged Staff at the Mission and also update the staff on the work and concerns of the Public Accounts Committee.
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