Fiji congratulates new Government, on the "cusp of greatness"

By Tina Mata'afa-Tufele 26 July 2021, 12:00AM

Samoa stands on the cusp of greatness with the appointment of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa as the country's first female Prime Minister, the country's leader Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.

Prime Minister Bainimarama made the comments congratulating Fiame in a statement published Sunday night on the Office of the Prime Minister, Republic of Fiji's official Facebook page.

Fiji joins in the celebration of the historic occasion in recognising Fiame’s “exemplary leadership in Samoa” over the last 30 years, he said.

“Fijian Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has congratulated Samoa’s Prime Minister elect Fiame Naomi Mata'afa for victory in Samoa’s general election win,” the statement from Fiji reads.

“In a congratulatory message to his counterpart, Prime Minister Bainimarama said that Samoa stands at the cusp of greatness as Prime Minister Mata'afa ascends to the high office as the first female Prime Minister.”

Prime Minister Bainimarama further stated that “Fiji shares in the celebration of this historic occasion in recognition of Prime Minister Mata'afa's exemplary leadership in Samoa and in the region over the last three decades.”

He looks forward to working closely together with Prime Minister Mata'afa on issues “of our mutual interest with a view to further strengthen bilateral relations at all levels.” 

Prime Minister Bainimarama conveyed his best wishes to Prime Minister Fiame in her journey ahead and for the continued success and prosperity of the Independent State of Samoa.

Prime Minister Bainimarama also expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Prime Minister Tuila'epa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi for his commitment and impressive contribution to the region’s development over the years during his leadership.

The congratulatory message from the Fijian Prime Minister follows similar messages sent by Prime Ministers of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Stephen Brown.

The Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations Patricia Scotland, Q.C. have also congratulated Fiame on her election victory in statement issued over the weekend.

By Tina Mata'afa-Tufele 26 July 2021, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>