Thank you P.M. Bainimarama and Fiji
Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi
Prime Minister of Samoa
Prime Minister’s response of Appreciation of the Welcome by the Government of Fiji
I am honoured by the generous welcome for me and my delegation and deeply honoured still for according me the Tabuawhich to me reflects the pinnacle of Fijian traditions and spiritual values.
In more ways than one, we as the Pacific family share many commonalities and what we all hold sacred in our customs and traditions.
Let us hold on to our heritage for our future generations.
I wish to also express my sincere appreciation for the invitation from the Government of Fiji to turn this visit to an official one.
I happily accepted because while I am here to speak at our regional institution, U.S.P. I also have to pay respects to the owners of the land.
Prime Minister, I thank you sincerely for your hospitality. I also thank my designated ‘mata’ as through his lenses I can have a deeper appreciation of the culture we have shared tonight.
I take this opportunity to wish you well in your upcoming elections and May God bless you all and the people of Fiji.
I hope someday that you Prime Minister will be able to visit Samoa.
I wish to reciprocate the honour by the presentation of our Ietoga to the Hon Prime Minister of Fiji.