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Suva, Fiji, July 2, 2021
An enduring partnership between Fiji and New Zealand is the foundation for achieving shared goals and aspirations in areas such as resilient health care, peace and security, climate change and disaster resilience, economic reform, and joint advocacy on Pacific priorities.
This was reiterated during a meeting between Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern.
Mr Bainimarama thanked the New Zealand government for its swift mobilisation of support to Fiji with the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and economic relief package estimated at FJ$14 million.
The recent deployment of New Zealand medical professionals as a part of the Medical Assistance Team to work with Fiji’s healthcare professionals in tracking and containing Covid-19 is seen as a sign of growing bilateral relations.
AstraZeneca Vaccine doses
Mr Bainimarama expressed his appreciation to the New Zealand government for pledging 500,000 AstraZeneca Vaccine doses to Fiji, which provides an opportunity for all eligible Fijians over 18 years of age to be vaccinated.
“The continued expressions of warmth and generosity from our New Zealand whanau is testament to the depth of the bilateral relations between Fiji and New Zealand,” he said.
In recognition of this, the two countries are working towards a Statement of Partnership which reaffirms the everlasting bonds of friendship and explores opportunities to elevate bilateral relations.
Mr Bainimarama highlighted the upcoming 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting as an opportunity for discussions on issues of importance to the region.
He said that Fiji and New Zealand’s partnership aspires to promote regional solidarity. The above story has been sponsored by
