Radio New Zealand this afternoon, Saturday, reported that Fiji and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral engagements and partnership in fighting climate change, protecting oceans and biodiversity and in Covid-19 recovery.
Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and the US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, John Kerry, this week discussed aspirations to advance Fijian and American relations.
Bainimarama acknowledged Secretary Kerry's leadership and contributions in global affairs and in shaping US bilateral relations with Fiji and the Pacific region.
Bainimarama also conveyed Fiji's appreciation to US President Joe Biden for his "strong global leadership and commitment in resolving the critical global issues of our time", especially in recognising the special circumstances faced by Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).
The Fijian leader sought Kerry's support to improve the SIDS' access to climate and development finance for their sustainable recovery.
On COP26 scheduled in Glasgow in November, Bainimarama said Fiji looked forward to working with the US and seeing more countries present their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
He also called for support in the development of an integrated climate action narrative where he said oceans, biodiversity, desertification, energy and food systems were brought together cohesively.
Kerry praised Fiji's vast experience in climate change diplomacy which the US Special Climate Envoy said would be crucial to drawing more global support for deeper and bolder climate actions.
Source. Radio New Zealand.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
