Cavuilati gave brief remarks about the friendly bilateral relationship between Fiji and the FSM, starting with their first diplomatic relations in 1988.
He thanked Mori for the friendship of the FSM, and said that Fiji is looking at areas that can be strengthened in their bilateral relationship.
Mori noted that Fiji was one of the first countries that recognized the FSM’s independence and this relationship has remained strong until today.
He said the FSM values the cordial and cooperative relations that it has with Fiji and that this friendship is very much appreciated in light of the growing challenges in areas such as climate change, sea-level rise, resource depletion and over-exploitation, transnational crimes, and illegal fishing.
“Our Pacific tradition of exchanging views and consulting each other in the Pacific Way remains the best way to reach solutions on pressing and sensitive matters that confronts us,” he added.
Mori also noted the recent “positive developments in our region,” pointing to the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of Fiji, New Zealand and Australia held in Canberra as a positive development which he very much welcomes and appreciate.
“These are indeed first positive developments and I truly hope for more such developments to come in the days ahead,” Mori said.
