Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has invited NZ Prime Minister, John Key to visit Fiji at a time convenient to his schedule.
In their first formal bilateral meeting since 2006 in New York, Bainimarama said it is important to have a high‑level visit from NZ as it will further strengthen the bilateral relations between Fiji and NZ.
Bainimarama also congratulated NZ for the winning performances of the All Blacks team so far at the Rugby World Cup. He wished the All Blacks all the best for its remaining games.
The Fijian Prime Minister has also accepted Key’s invitation to visit NZ.
He says he is pleased to see the increased trade and investment between the two countries, and this should be further strengthened.
Bainimarama also noted the upward trend in New Zealand visitors travelling to Fiji. Based on our current statistics, Fiji welcomed 117,660 visitors from NZ in 2014. In 2015, that figure rose to 134,150, presenting a 14% increase in visitor arrivals.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Fiji’s candidacy for the Presidency of the UN General Assembly’s 71st Session.
Bainimarama says the Pacific Small Island Developing States have never had the privilege of holding the General Assembly Presidency. They have accordingly put forward to the Asia‑Pacific Group the name of Fiji’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Peter Thomson for the position.
He requested Key to support this bid.
Meanwhile John Key told stuff.co that he thinks he is the first New Zealand prime minister to speak to Bainimarama since the breakdown in relations in the Helen Clark era.
Key says they have held elections, and it is what it is.
He says it is time to "put the past behind them and move forward.
New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key meets with Frank Bainimarama in their first formal bilateral meeting since 2006 in New York.
