Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama [Picture source: Fijian Government]

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his support to issues raised by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)with Forum Leaders in Tuvalu today.

Voreqe Bainimarama highlights that Fiji acknowledges the invaluable role of civil society organisations at the national, regional and global levels in complementing the efforts of Governments.

In his intervention, Bainimarama thanked all CSOs in the region for their contribution to nation-building, and the great work they do in ensuring that “no one is left behind in our sustainable development aspirations”.

He told the CSOs that their presence in communities throughout the region ensures the voices of all Pacific citizens, from all walks of life, are heard across the national, regional and global discourse.

On the alleged human rights violations in West Papua, Prime Minister Bainimarama reaffirmed Fiji’s continuing support to the people of West Papua and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, including Indonesia.

The Prime Minister affirming that Fiji will uphold the UN Charter and reiterating that “we must tread boldly but thoughtfully as we move forward on this issue as a region”.

In supporting the vision of a Blue Pacific, Bainimarama says Fiji supports the 10-year moratorium on seabed mining to allow for a decade of proper scientific research of our economic zones and territorial waters.

“I reiterate my call to PIF Members during the opening of our Climate Change Sautalaga event to step up and support this ambitious venture,” he said.

The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu who reiterated the important role of CSOs in regional Development.