Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been among the first to personally congratulate His Royal Highness Prince Harry on his engagement to Meghan Markle.

At a meeting in London, Mr Bainimarama and Prince Harry also discussed Fiji’s growing engagement with the Commonwealth, new opportunities for co-operation between Fiji and the United Kingdom and the historical ties between the Fijian and British peoples.

Prince Harry commended Fiji for hosting the upcoming Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in February. He also expressed his appreciation for the major contributions made by Fijians in the British Army, many of whom he served alongside during his own military service, including a deployment in Afghanistan.

Prince Harry congratulated Fiji on winning the gold medal in Rugby Sevens at the 2016 Olympic Games. He said he was a keen follower of Fijian rugby and passionate about watching Fiji play.

He also reiterated Britain’s support for Fiji’s efforts to rebuild after Cyclone Winston, and thanked Fiji for its initiatives in environmental sustainability and food security.

For his part, Mr Bainimarama thanked Prince Harry for his work in assisting the development of young people in vulnerable communities around the world.

Prince Harry asked that the Prime Minister pass on the best wishes of the Royal Family to the Fijian people.

The Prime Minister is currently in London to attend the 52nd Session of the International Sugar Organisation.

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