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Fijians known for their determination & courage: UNSG

May 15, 2019 3:48 pm

Fijians are well known for their determination and courage in international peacekeeping operations.

During a traditional welcome in Suva this morning, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the UN have an enormous debt of gratitude towards all Fijians.

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Guterres says Fijian peacekeepers have made countless sacrifices in some of the most dangerous places in the world – to protect the lives of the vulnerable.

“Some have made the supreme sacrifice protecting the most vulnerable in some of the dangerous places of the world. The international community and the UN have an enormous debt of gratitude to all Fijian peacekeepers, the Fijian people and the Fijian Government.”

Guterres also recognized the enormous steps taken by Pacific leaders and their people in the fight against climate change.

“My deep gratitude, my enormous appreciation and my total commitment in solidarity with the people of the Pacific Islands States that are in the front line of the impacts of what humankind is doing the planet, doing top the oceans and have shown extraordinary courage and extraordinary resilience and deserve a much stronger solidarity from the international community.” 

The UN top official was received by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the welcome ceremony which was attended by Government officials, Pacific Leaders and the diplomatic corps.