A PEACE agreement between the United States and Iran could gradually ease cost-of-living pressures in Fiji and bring greater certainty to global markets, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Welcoming reports of a breakthrough in negotiations between the two countries, Mr Rabuka described the development as a positive step for the international community.
“It’s a very good event, one that the whole world is looking forward to, and we are very proud to have sent a congratulatory message to President Trump,” he said.
Mr Rabuka said Fiji had been following the peace efforts closely and had conveyed its support for the negotiations.
“I sent him (Mr Trump) one on his birthday, before his birthday, with a little sentence there to wish him happiness, as well as wish him success in the negotiations for peace.
“When that happened, we wrote to congratulate him on the progress being made and said we looked forward to the signing by Vice President Vance in Switzerland.”
The Prime Minister said a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, would have positive economic implications for Fiji.
“It will bring it down gradually,” he said, referring to the cost of living and inflation.
“At the moment, there have been some tightening up of our own belts.”
Mr Rabuka said lower fuel-related costs could eventually ease pressure on key sectors, including the sugar industry.
“This will probably be reflected in an easing of the pressures we are currently facing in the sugar industry, particularly the costs of trucks and transporting cane to the mills.”
Addressing struggling families, Mr Rabuka urged patience and optimism.
“I can only say we can continue to hope and continue to pray.
“No country can afford to be at war forever, and we have been anticipating this.
“The world has been praying for it.”
He added that Fiji’s vision of the Pacific as an “ocean of peace” was gaining international support and had been embraced by Pacific leaders.
