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Wed, 28 Jul 2010
SUVA, Fiji ( FIJI LIVE) ----- Kiribati President Anote Tong says the âEngaging with Pacificâ meeting has brought to the fore the underlying roles and objectives that the Pacific Islands Forum needs to play in terms of development in the region.
He said the atmosphere and tone of the first ever âEngaging with Pacificâ meeting held in Fiji last week is what needs to be restored in the Pacific Islands Forum.
The Kiribati president made these comments to Fijiâs Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama during their bilateral meeting this morning.
A press statement issued from government today stated President Tong congratulating Commodore Bainimarama for hosting such a successful meeting with Pacific Leaders in a truly Pacific way through frank and open talanoa sessions.
Commmodore Bainimarama acknowledged President Tongâs comments, adding that whilst our 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.
âThis especially through the implementation of the current reforms programs as espoused in the Roadmap to Democracy and Sustainable Socio-economic development, Fijiâs Strategic Framework for Change and Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.â He said
Commodore Bainimarama thanked President Tong for his openness and frank discussions on the Fiji situation during the meeting.
âThis was also reflected in the overall position of the Pacific Island countries in supporting Fijiâs Roadmap,â he said.
He added that comments made by President Tong were very good for Fiji.
âThis, in fact is what the Pacific Islands is known for and that which is to support each otherâs development.â
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