Fiji to join US initiative
- ByEmily Nguyen --
- 2024-06-16 01:42:21 --
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- FJI
Fiji Joins USAID's Democracy Delivers Initiative
FIJI will be joining the USAID Democracy Delivers Initiative, which means the United States will provide new resources to support the people of Fiji in several important areas. Samantha Power, the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), shared the news in a video message during the US Independence Day celebrations at the US Embassy on Thursday.
"I am so pleased to announce that Fiji is going to be joining USAID's Democracy Delivers initiative. And we hope that with democratic acceleration of security in almost every corner of the world, Fiji has achieved significant democratic progress, evidenced by its recent peaceful transition of power," Ms Power said.
She recalled her visit to Fiji last year to open the USA Pacific Islands Mission in Suva, where she witnessed Fiji's dedication to democratic principles and how this has positively impacted the lives of all Fijians.
"I saw firsthand Fiji's continued commitment to democratic principles and, with it, meaningful benefits in the lives of Fijians, from improvements to health services to greater opportunities for students to succeed in the classroom and in their communities.
"Together, I believe that we can expand on this moment of opportunity to turn it into something truly enduring."
As part of the new initiative, USAID will work with the Government to build on these democratic gains and help citizens see how democracy can address their most pressing needs.
"USAID will be mobilising new resources to support the people of Fiji in several key domains."
This includes helping Fijian farmers improve the cultivation of root crops, fruits and rice, so Pacific islanders have access to locally grown, nutritious food. Additionally, USAID will help build more waste collection points, promote recycling and reduce ocean plastics to protect vital ocean ecosystems.
The US Independence Day event at the US Embassy saw a large turnout, including prominent figures such as acting President and acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, senior Cabinet ministers, civil societies, foreign dignitaries and business leaders.
The event was hosted by US ambassador Marie Damour to celebrate the 248th anniversary of US Independence.
Baron Waqa 'More Than Able' to Lead Pacific Islands Forum, Says Rabuka
The new secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, is "well equipped" for the role, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says. Waqa, a former Nauru president is the first Nauruan national to assume the top job at the Forum.
He began his tenure last week and was welcomed during a special ceremony on Thursday night in Suva.
Rabuka said Waqa would serve the region and the Pacific people well, given his wealth of experience.
"As one who has held multiple leadership roles at the national, regional and global levels, we are assured that you are well equipped to take on this role and that you will lead us well," he said.
"We believe that you will serve our region and our Pacific people and with the vast experience that you bring, we are confident that our Blue Pacific is in safe hands."
Rabuka said the region continued to be confronted with multidimensional challenges and stressed that climate change remained the region's "greatest threat impacting our ability to meet our development aspirations".
He added there was an increased urgency to act collectively to progress shared priorities and goals as outlined in the 2050 Strategy.
"We have laid out our pathway through the 2050 Strategy with its implementation plan. It is now in your hands. We hold high expectations because we know that you are more than able."
Since taking up office, Waqa has already made his first official regional trip to the Solomon Islands, meeting with Prime Minister Jeremaiah Manele and his foreign minister Peter Agovaka on June 10.
"One of my key priorities as Secretary-General is to continue to strengthen our solidarity as a Pacific family," he said.
"We look forward to working with Prime Minister Manele to build our one Blue Pacific continent and improve the lives of all Pacific people."
Fiji and Indonesia Celebrate 50-Year Relationship
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Fiji-Indonesia bilateral relations, hundreds of enthusiastic individuals from the two countries converged for a fun-walk to mark the celebration in Suva today.
Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora says the event symbolizes the commitment to strengthen the collaboration between Fiji and Indonesia.
Simamora says Fiji and Indonesia have enjoyed a close relationship over the past five decades, with cooperation in various areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The ambassador highlighted that the two countries have also collaborated on regional and global issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and peacekeeping operations.
Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Inia Seruiratu, expressed his gratitude for the longstanding friendship between the two nations and looked forward to further strengthening the partnership in the years to come.
The celebration was attended by government officials, business leaders, and members of the public from both Fiji and Indonesia, showcasing the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The event highlighted the mutual respect and understanding that has been fostered over the past five decades, paving the way for even deeper collaboration in the years ahead.
As Fiji and Indonesia continue to strengthen their partnership, the 50-year celebration serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future in the Pacific region.