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The strengthened bilateral ties between Fiji and United Arab Emirates has led to the assistance of US$ 5 million which will see the construction of three schools in Navua, Sigatoka and Lautoka.
A Cooperation Agreement was signed yesterday (November 8, 2018) at the Ministry of Economy Headquarters to formalise the partnership between the Fijian Government and UAE delegation that is currently in the country for the new schools site inspection.
Accompanying the delegation for the site visitations were technical and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education.
Significant contribution
Whilst formalising the partnership, United Arab Emirates Non-Resident Ambassador accredited to Fiji Saleh Ahmed Alsuwaidi said that his government was delighted with the collaboration which will significantly contribute towards Fiji’s education sector development.
“Education is important for the future development of any country and with this special partnership with Fiji, we have announced the assistance of US$ 5 million to build new schools in cooperation with Fiji’s Ministry of Education. We are proud to be part of this noble project and we thank the Fijian Government for its collaboration. The technical teams will visit the three sites to accommodate the needs of the students,” Mr Alsuwaidi said.
Further support
UAE has also pledged its support to further its bilateral ties by enabling Fiji to participate in the Expo 2020 universal exposition which will allow Fiji to seize new economic, trade and business opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Fijian Government, Ministry of Economy Permanent Secretary Makereta Konrote expressed her appreciation to the UAE for its commitment to advance Fiji’s education sector.
“This assistance will complement our government’s policies in terms of increasing access to education and also enhancing the quality of facilities, which will contribute towards better learning outcomes for our Fijian students. On behalf of the Fijian Government, we would like to thank the UAE for visiting the projects. This partnership will also assist members of the local industries in terms of knowledge sharing and transfer of skills,” Ms Konrote said.
Makereta Konrote
(Photo Courtesy: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation)
