Fiji Values its Bilateral Relations With NZ

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1. Fiji Values its Bilateral Relations With New Zealand

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(Thursday June 21st 2007 No:819/PMO) FIJI VALUES ITS BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH NEW ZEALAND

Fiji/New Zealand bilateral relations is much broader and deeper than the “hype” which has been generated particularly in New Zealand concerning declaration of persona non-grata status to Michael Green.

These are the comments of Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister as he reaffirmed Fiji’s willingness to continue to remain open for dialogue and engage with New Zealand in restoring the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Commodore Bainimarama said that Fiji and New Zealand are both important members of Pacific Islands Forum and the broader Pacific Community. The contact between our two countries date back to well over a century and as such the historical, cultural, sporting, trade, economic and defence ties are deep and strong.

In terms of trade, Fiji continues to be New Zealand’s largest market amongst the Pacific Islands. And for Fiji, New Zealand is the second largest source market for tourism. Much of the imports sourced from New Zealand are used in the tourism industry as well as in investment projects and manufacturing. New Zealand is also a dominant source for foreign direct investment in Fiji. There is also enormous people to people, business to business, industry to industry and organisation to organisation contacts between our two countries.

Commodore Bainimarama further added that New Zealand has played an immense role in mediating in conflicts in the Region, particularly in Bougainville and Solomon Islands.

“I am also particularly grateful to the work they have done in Fiji through the services of Sir Paul Reeves in formulation of the 1997 Constitution and more recently late last year their efforts in attempting to avert the political crisis in Fiji. The people of Fiji also identify themselves closely and are sensitive to the Tangata Whenua, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Fijians are these days an integral part of New Zealand rugby.”

Commodore Bainimarama said that it is obvious from all these contacts and relationships that Fiji/New Zealand relations is significantly broader and deeper than the ‘media hype’ which has recently been generated in respect of our temporarily strained diplomatic relations. I am hopeful that the New Zealand politicians and bureaucrats would be mindful of all these special relationships and not unnecessarily penalize Fiji through harsh sanctions.

“The Fiji economy is very much an extension of New Zealand’s. We are inextricably linked to each other – the current downturn in Fiji’s economy is bound to affect New Zealand producers, manufacturers, businesses and exporters. My plea therefore to the New Zealand Government and its people is to come and work with us, try and better understand Fiji’s unique problems, adopt a more mature and pragmatic approach and give us that perseverance and co-operation to take us forward.”

Commodore Bainimarama said that it is extremely important that New Zealand re-engages with Fiji and that we keep talking to work through issues. Unfortunately, this did not work in Michael Green’s case.

“I, however, remain open and optimistic that our temporarily strained diplomatic relations are repairable,” he said.

ENDS

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