The reception Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama received upon his arrival at the opening ceremony remains one of the highlights of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Tonga.
Our News Director Vijay Narayan reports from Nuku'alofa.
Vijay Narayan: "Who got the loudest cheer at the official opening of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum earlier this week, well even that is being questioned by Australia Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer while responding to questions from journalists here in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on the rock star welcome that Commodore Bainimarama received, when he entered the official opening ceremony at the King's Palace Grounds".
"Alexander Downer said that it seems the journalists were not there when he was officially welcomed earlier than Bainimarama. But according to Downer, he says that the Pacific Island Leaders are united to ensure that Fiji returns to democracy and that is a clear message that they have given to Bainimarama".
Downer: "I thought the children cheered, you obviously weren't there when I arrived, the children cheered lastly".
"Well I look forward to him doing something to bring his country back to democracy, what he's done is wrong, and he should move to bring the country back to democracy. His GDP is shrinking, this year his GDP will shrink by around 3 %, tourism is down, industry is not doing well and the people are demoralised, this coup has not worked, this coup is not good for the people of Fiji ".
Vijay Narayan: "Commodore Bainimaram said he received the huge reception during the official opening because the ties between Fiji and Tonga go back years ago and Tonga understands the problems Fiji is going through".
"He also says that he will ensure that Tonga and Fiji relations continue to strengthen and his expected to have his final meeting with the Tongan Prime Minister over dinner tonight here in Nuku'alofa before leaving for Nadi tomorrow morning".
Who got the loudest cheer?
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p