Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed that President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu held talks with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi yesterday, that included ongoing international efforts to support peace and stability in the Middle East.
Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Rabuka said he received a “very happy call” from the President in the middle of the night informing him of the positive outcome of the high-level meetings.
“His Excellency informed me that he has had very successful meetings with the King in Abu Dhabi, and they are willing to support Fiji — particularly with Fiji’s profile in international peacekeeping operations,” Mr Rabuka told Parliament.
The development comes as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey jointly deploy around 200 peacekeeping troops to Gaza City, working alongside American military personnel to help implement a newly brokered ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.
The ceasefire follows more than two years of relentless conflict that has devastated much of Gaza and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. The truce was achieved through intensive negotiations in Cairo involving key regional and international mediators.
Mr Rabuka said Fiji’s ongoing diplomatic engagement reflects the country’s “enduring commitment to peace and security in the Middle East,” a legacy of Fiji’s decades-long participation in UN peacekeeping missions.
“This milestone demonstrates Fiji’s continued relevance and reputation in global peace efforts,” the Prime Minister said.
