Fiji is looking to build a closer relationship with the government and the people of Palau says the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Ratu Epeli’s tour to the sovereign state is the first for any Fijian head of state.

Speaking at a State dinner last night, Ratu Epeli says Fiji seeks to eventually formalize ties which would encourage more people to people contacts between the two nations….for Fijians and Palauans to get to know each other better and to discuss possible areas of cooperation and trade, including partnerships in tourism, agriculture and fisheries.

He says Fiji is especially keen for Palau to join the new Pacific grouping that Fiji is forging with its neighbours– the Pacific Islands Development Forum, or PIDF.

Ratu Epeli told the Palau government officials, the difference between the PIDF and the Pacific Islands Forum is that its reach goes beyond government to encompass the views of a much broader cross section of Pacific society.

He says the PIDF has strengthened the voice of the grassroots in our member countries by including representatives of civil society and business….and Fiji looks forward to that chorus being joined by Palauans.

Aside from seeking a closer engagement, the President also took the opportunity to explain Fiji’s own attempts at nation building.

Ratu Epeli is due to hold talks with senior Palauan officials, including the President Thomas Remengesau.

Later in the week, he will travel to Guam.