Fiji and Vanuatu reaffirm strong bilateral ties in high-level talanoa
24/06/2025
Fiji and Solomon Islands reaffirm bilateral ties
25/06/2025Published On: 25/06/2025
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held a bilateral meeting with Honourable Rock Wamytan, Representative of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), at his office today.
In welcoming Hon. Wamytan, Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged his longstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the Kanak people and the broader FLNKS movement. He also expressed gratitude for Hon. Wamytan’s active participation at the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasised the importance of talanoa and continued high-level engagements to strengthen mutual understanding, reaffirm shared values, and uphold our commitment to the Pacific Way.
He reiterated Fiji’s steadfast support for the FLNKS and for the people of New Caledonia. He expressed the hope that any future decisions will be achieved through peaceful dialogue and decisions that enjoy broad support from all stakeholders.
The Prime Minister encouraged the FLNKS and New Caledonian leadership to deepen their regional engagement. He highlighted the potential for peer-to-peer cooperation between Fiji and New Caledonia in the areas of trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange, all of which would contribute to greater regional integration.
Prime Minister Rabuka thanked the FLNKS for their meaningful contribution to the MSG Leaders’ Summit, particularly in discussions on sub-regional economic cooperation, trade, political, and governance matters.
He further noted that Fiji has remained actively engaged in discussions on New Caledonia at the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), including close collaboration with Papua New Guinea on related resolutions to ensure progress on decolonization matters.
He reflected on the productive discussions held during the Summit and underscored the importance of progressing key priorities through the MSG Secretariat.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to ensuring strong and effective leadership within the Secretariat and confirmed that the recruitment of the new Director General will remain a key priority moving forward.
In response, Honourable Rock Wamytan conveyed his deep appreciation to Prime Minister Rabuka and the Government of Fiji for their continued support toward the FLNKS and the self-determination aspirations of the Kanak people.
He reaffirmed FLNKS’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and a negotiated path forward for New Caledonia. Hon. Wamytan also acknowledged Fiji’s active role at the international level, particularly within the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24), and welcomed the ongoing solidarity shown by MSG member countries.
He further expressed interest in strengthening bilateral ties with Fiji, particularly in the areas of cultural cooperation, youth exchange, and economic development, as part of efforts to deepen New Caledonia’s integration into the Pacific region.
