Great Britain is very much a part of us, in these colonial era buildings, and in our laws and our governance structures, said President Naiqama Lalabalavu while formally receiving the Letters of Credence from the newly appointed British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein-Bor.
President Lalabalavu highlighted key priorities for Fiji, including the ongoing national and regional efforts to combat climate change—a matter of urgent concern for Pacific Island nations.
He reiterated Fiji’s commitment to working closely with development partners like the United Kingdom to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.
“Our robust and multifaceted relationship in crucial areas such as climate change, sustainable development and defence underscore the depth and breadth of the Fiji-UK bilateral relationship, which continues to evolve and strengthen,” said Ratu Naiqama.
“I now look to you, High Commissioner, to continue this very positive relationship and I assure you of my support and that too of Fiji, in taking our relations to newer and greater heights.”
Referring to the State House and Government Buildings which were constructed in 1929 and 1930 respectively, and are tangible footprints of British governance in Fiji, President Lalabalavu stated that “Great Britain is very much a part of us, in these colonial era buildings, and in our laws and our governance structures.”
“The history of this small nation is quite eventful in terms of how we have thrived the colonial era and through independence and the subsequent 55 years, and we’ve managed to become a modern island nation-state and here we are.”
