The President of Kiribati, Anote Tong has congratulated Fiji on hosting the first ever Enganging with the Pacific meet and stressed more such meetings need to be held.

This was the sentiment of President Tong when he met this morning with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in a bilateral meeting, saying the meeting with Pacific Leaders was held in a truly Pacific way through frank and open Talanoa sessions.

President Anote said the atmosphere and tone of the first ever Engaging with the Pacific Meeting which was held in Fiji last week, is what needs to be restored in the Pacific Islands Forum.

Commodore Bainimarama also acknowledged President Tong's presence and comments, adding that whilst his critics had their say on the meeting, the Fiji Government was open and transparent about its intention of the meeting, which is to inform the Pacific Leaders of the progresses that the country was undergoing through the implementation of the current reform programs under the Roadmap to Democracy as well as through the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.

Commodore Bainimarama thanked President Tong for his openness and frank discussions on the Fiji situation during the meeting.

This was also reflected in the overall position of the Pacific Island countries in supporting Fiji's Roadmap.

He added that comments made by President Tong was very good for Fiji as this, in fact is what the Pacific Islands is known for and that which is to support each other’s development.

Story by: Ronald Deo.