The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says with its response to the Australian bushfires, Fiji has shown that we indeed share a “vuvale” partnership.
While speaking at the Australia Day celebration at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence, Feakes has thanked the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and the people of Fiji for their support towards their Australian brothers and sisters as they recover from the bushfires.
Feakes says it can be assured that with the prayers and support of Fijians, Australia will soon recover.
He says the impact of the bushfires has been heartbreaking as 32 people have lost their lives which includes 3 firefighters from the US that died in a plane crash in New South Wales yesterday.
He says hundreds of animals have lost their lives and over 10 million hectares of land have been burnt.
Feakes further says that over 3,000 homes and whole communities have been destroyed. Meanwhile, the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jonetani Tagivetaua says being members of one vuvale, Fiji stands shoulder to shoulder with Australia in times of need.
Tagivetaua says it is time to work together for another year for the betterment of both nations and reach to new heights under the vuvale partnership.
President Jioji Konrote, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu, NDMO Director Vasiti Soko, USP’s Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia and other members of the parliament were present at the event last night.
