Fiji's leadership on the global stage, in particular in the areas of climate change, oceans health and peacekeeping duties was praised by the United Nations following a meeting between Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres.
The meeting at the UN headquarters was an opportunity for both Leaders to re-affirm their commitments and look at ways of strengthening Fiji's continuous engagement at the UN.
In his remarks, Secretary‑General Guterres told Bainimarama that it was encouraging to see a small island developing state like Fiji taking leadership in addressing significant challenges faced by the global community.
Guterres says that he is extremely impressed at the leadership shown by Fiji in its commitment to multilateralism.
He says such strong global leadership is very reassuring in that multilateralism is very much alive and is an indicator to that many good things can happen.
Guterres also expressed appreciation for Fiji's peacekeeping engagements.
He says they are always very grateful to Fiji's contribution to peacekeeping where he has seen Fijians serving in trouble spots all over the world and is happy to note that we have strong relations.
The two leaders also discussed COP23 and the ongoing UN negotiations on climate change which Fiji will preside over when it assumes the presidency in November this year.
Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted that Fiji is working closely with the UN climate change Secretariat in preparation for this event in Bonn.
Guterres assured Prime Minister Bainimarama of his support in achieving a successful outcome for this COP meeting.
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