By AILEEN KWARAGU
GOVERNOR-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has welcomed Fiji’s move to re-open its high commission in Port Moresby, after its closure in late 2020.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in a traditional ceremony at Government House yesterday, formally sought Sir Bob’s blessing, as Fiji moves to reestablish an official presence in Port Moresby, and reaffirm his country’s commitment to regional solidarity and traditional ties.
Prime Minister James Marape, during his visit to Suva in February, had promised to allocate a piece of land in Port Moresby for Fiji to build a permanent high commission.
Rabuka arrived yesterday afternoon and was received by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and Defence chief Major-General Mark Goina at Jackson Airport.
He inspected a guard of honour.
Hiri Hanenamo Kimnjosh Damuri, as an ambassador of the Motu-Koitabu people and Motuan dancers from Kido in Central, staged a traditional welcome for Rabuka and wife Suluweti.
Rabuka will meet Marape this morning to follow up on their Suva discussion.
He will then address students of the University of Papua New Guinea, before he leaves with Marape for East New Britain.
Other Pacific Island nation leaders will be arriving in Port Moresby to attend the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (Fipic) on Monday.
Rabuka will tomorrow meet with the Fijian community in Port Moresby to update them on his government’s priorities.
Rabuka is also expected to meet with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to “advance discussions on regional cooperation and the bilateral relations between Fiji and India”.
Fipic was first held in Fiji in 2015, and in Jaipur, India, in 2016.
Melanesia News 