When Fiji and Samoa succeed in protecting the interests of our citizens, we share those victories.

And when our people are set back by cyclones, when they are threatened by rising seas, our livelihoods are erased by the degradation of our oceans and reefs that is the loss and heartbreak we suffer together.

These were the statements by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the welcome reception dinner, which he hosted for the Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi at the Grand Pacific Hotel last night.

“Prime Minister, action on climate change is priority number one. We know that.

“But, while we face an unprecedented threat, that hasn’t shaken our focus on our national development, our people’s wellbeing, on bringing jobs to our countries and on growing our economies.

“We still see the potential of the Pacific to emerge as global leader in sustainable development.

“And to bring more of our people into the fold of the global economy by bringing new industries, new technologies and new opportunities to our shores.”

Mr Bainimarama stated that the signage of the Development Corporation Agreement was the best step to realising the untapped potential of our political and economic engagement.

“We can also do more on a bilateral basis, as we have seen in the successful relationship between Fiji Airways and Samoa Airlines.

“Prime Minister I look forward to taking our economic cooperation to the next level.

“Our discussions this afternoon have helped ensure that whatever that future holds, we will meet those challenges side-by-side and that we will build new and stronger bridges of cooperation to connect our people and our economies and that carry our voices and our perspectives to the rest of the world, loudly, clearly and together.”

Meanwhile, more than 50 people attended the dinner including the members of Cabinet, Government ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and invited guests.

Edited by Percy Kean

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