The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, was the chief guest at the 53rd Fiji Day Celebrations held at the Millenium Hotel, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on the weekend.
During the celebration, DPM Kamikamica alluded to this year’s theme of “Rebuilding Fiji Together”, sharing Fiji’s progress since gaining Independence in 1970.
“It has been 53 years of unity, progress and shared dreams, and this year’s theme is a pledge from our Coalition Government to the nation in helping craft a better future for all Fijians”, said DPM Kamikamica.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reflected on Fiji’s 13th bilateral anniversary with the United Arab Emirates, in which the two countries’ relationship has grown from strength to strength.
It included the signing of the Labour Mobility in 2022 and plans to sign other pending Agreements and MOUs in the fields of Trade and Investment, Defense Cooperation, Visa Exemption, Cybersecurity, Seafarers Competency, Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation.
He further acknowledged the presence of Al Shamsi, conveying that Fiji looks forward to enhancing bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Renewable and Climate energy solutions.
Ambassador Naipote Katonitabua, in delivering the vote of thanks, conveyed the deep appreciation of members of the Fijian Diaspora to both the Deputy Prime Minister and Al Shamsi for gracing the occasion.
Katonitabua added that Fiji stood to benefit immensely from our well-established relations with the UAE and that the Coalition Government was committed to further enhancing this partnership.
Sultan Al Shamsi, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs for International Development Affairs. Nooh Saleh Alhammadi, the Director of East-Asia Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates, Richard Kay, Ambassador of New Zealand to the United Arab Emirates and Madam Kay, Tuvalu Ambassador Aunesse Makoi Simati and Madam Sunema, Officer of the Order of Fiji Jeremy Manning and Manning including representatives from Fiji Water and other corporate sponsors joined the celebrations.
