Traditional Ceremony of Welcome Accorded to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau was accorded a Fijian traditional ceremony of welcome this morning at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, Members of the Parliament, and Diplomatic Corps.

In his remarks, Deputy Secretary Landau expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Fiji for the warm welcome and kind hospitality.

He reaffirmed U.S commitment to deepen relations and mutual prosperity with Fiji and the broader Pacific family.

“I would like to begin my thanking God for having brought me here safely, so far away from my home in the city of Washington. I also thank Him for the incredible opportunity to experience this ceremony and incredible respect that you have just bestowed on me. I agree with every word that was said on my behalf.

“When I was a boy, I used look at maps of the world, study foreign stamps and coins, I collected them and I was always interested in Fiji; it seemed very exotic and to be here today and have the opportunity to participate in this ceremony with you, Mr. Prime Minister, is an opportunity I think I would have never expected with my life.

“So on behalf of President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I bring you respects on behalf of the United States of America and I thank you for the very great Honor that you have bestowed upon me personally in this ceremony, this is an experience I will not forget in my life.

Following the traditional ceremony of welcome, Deputy Secretary Landau proceeded for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister Rabuka and senior government officials.