Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has acknowledged the services and strong leadership of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as President.
Speaking in parliament this morning Bainimarama thanked Ratu Epeli for his extraordinary service to the country as a military leader, diplomat, minister, statesman, President and humanitarian.
Bainimarama says the President has been a guiding mentor to his role as the Prime Minister.
“He is a man of great heart and compassion who has endeavored to eliminate the gap between the most chiefly and the most humble Fijians. I’ve also been grateful to have his non- political voice as a guide even when he reminded me of things I preferred not to remember. Every Prime Minister needs to hear an authoritative voice of freedom that remains above the frail. I’ve heard the Excellency’s voice and I have listened.”
The President has also been acknowledged for being the first head of state in the region to visit his counterparts in neighboring countries- visiting 11 countries in 2013 and 2014.
In many visits, Ratu Epeli has assured these nations of Fiji’s support for their development or Fiji’s assistance in recovery from disaster.
Bainimarama says it is his contribution that enabled Fiji to become the first country in the world to offer support to the low-lying countries that are beginning to confront the drastic effects of climate change and the rise in sea levels.
