As the Fiji government continues to sign new diplomatic relations with countries around the world, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has stressed that we cannot achieve goals if we simply fall into predetermined political spheres of influences or have predetermined alignments.
While addressing the first ever Arab League and Pacific Islands summit in Abu Dhabi, Commodore Bainimarama also revealed that the Fiji government has recently taken steps to join the Non-Aligned Movement which he said stems from the philosophical basis that while determining their own destinies as sovereign states, we must work in collaboration with all, with the aim of sustainable peace, dignity and respect for all.
Commodore Bainimarama said we must be prepared to step out of the norm or existing relationships and decide each issue on its merit, but using amongst others the general rule of justice and equality.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that despite Fiji's enormous contributions towards peacekeeping missions in the Middle East since 1978, Fiji has not developed nor pursued formal political, economic and cultural relations with the Arab world.
Commodore Bainimarama stressed that he has now taken steps to ensure this stops.
He also called on the Arab League to have its presence on the Small Pacific Island developing states which he said is of vital importance to foster genuine dialogue, co-operation and interaction between the Pacific and members of the Arab League.
Commodore Bainimarama earlier revealed to Fijivillage news that Fiji is set to sign new diplomatic relations agreements with a total of 108 countries in the months ahead.
