Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has thanked the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization for maintaining its independence, notwithstanding the political pressure put on it, in allowing the forum to go ahead here in Fiji.

While opening the CTO Forum at the Sheraton this morning, Bainimarama said the maintenance of its independence has meant that the delegates are all in Nadi today and that politics is a separate issue.

Bainimarama said CTO's independence is essential for the mutual benefit and advancement of all countries, irrespective of their status and political clout.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity which is the focus of the Forum, Bainimarama stressed that it is about connectivity within a jurisdiction, between the rich and poor, between the rural and urban and between the government and its citizens.

He said it is also about connectivity between countries, which means understanding and accommodation, the removal of myths and rumours, its means to ascertain the truth and facts and it means being a citizen in the global family.

The Prime Minister said to cut off the connectivity would mean injustice, isolation and intolerance and it would result in the loss of and access to knowledge.

The CTO conference which is being attended by over 100 Commonwealth delegates continues this afternoon.