Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka, has offered his heartfelt sympathy to New Zealanders for the loss of innocent lives and the devastation caused by the recent Cyclone Gabrielle and assures that Fiji stands ready to support New Zealand.
Rabuka gave this assurance while meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Carmel Sepuloni at the margins of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum Special Retreat held in Nadi this week.
He says a team from Fiji has been deployed to New Zealand to assist in their rebuilding and recovery efforts.
The Prime Minister congratulated Sepuloni for the proud accomplishment of being the first Pasifika Deputy Prime Minister and has also extended his best wishes to New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Rabuka remains confident that the relations will continue to deepen on issues of mutual priorities and interests.
The meeting between the two leaders also highlighted the opportunities for increased cooperation in trade and investment, labour mobility, climate mitigation, disaster responsiveness, education and health.
Rabuka says New Zealand and Fiji share a special bond as traditional partners, and this is reflected through the Duavata Partnership Agreement.
He adds it symbolises the shared aspirations of the two nations to build a sustainable and stronger future for all.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Sepuloni congratulate Rabuka for the recent elections and also commended his efforts to reunite the Pacific family.
She further reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for the People's Coalition Government led by Rabuka.
