Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase met for the first time today.

Also attending the meeting were the president of the Methodist Church Laisiasa Ratabacaca and head of the Catholic Church in Fiji Archbishop Petero Mataca.

The two church leaders met several times over the past few weeks and together facilitated the meeting between Qarase and Bainimarama.

The meeting today was marked by an informal exchange of views, with all leaders noting in particular the great importance of constructive dialogue not only among political leaders but also among Fiji's diverse communities and the leaders of religious and civil organisations.

The four leaders in a joint press statement said that genuine, trust-based dialogue was essential in order for real progress to be achieved in any national level efforts at healing and reconciliation.

The four leaders have agreed to meet again in the near future.