Speaking to the Fiji Sun, Bainimarama called on the people of Fiji to remain united.
“Australia and New Zealand are trying to separate us but this is the time we should come together,” he said.
Bainimarama said the two countries were behind Vanuatu Prime Minister and outgoing MSG chairman Edward Natapei’s decision to defer the MSG Plus Summit which was to be held here next week.
However, Bainimarama has instead announced that in place of the planned meeting, there would be a briefing for Pacific Island countries’ representatives that have accepted the invitation to be present.
“I am confident that people will come to attend the meeting and if they don’t come then the people of Fiji need to unite,” he added.
“Unity will beat any outside pressure that aims to bring division.”
Meanwhile, amendments will be made to the planned MSG Plus Summit agenda before Government briefs the Pacific Island Leaders that are expected to attend.
“Yes we’re a having a meeting with Foreign Affairs and we will be basically discussing the amendments that need to be done before the meeting,” Bainimarama said.
In a statement, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said Bainimarama has invited leaders of Pacific Island countries to participate in “Engaging Fiji Meeting” to be held in Fiji.
“The Fiji government is keen to discuss these issues with leaders and friends who have an interest in Fiji’s sustainable development and also understand the role that this plays in the context of the Pacific.
“Fiji has been sincere, transparent and open about what it has set out to achieve in “it’s roadmap for Fiji’s return to parliamentary democracy, and we are fully determined to seeing this through.” he said.
“In that regards Fiji has engaged closely with the international community and partners in creating that pathway forward toward a true and sustainable democracy.
Ratu Inoke said the government is also not opposed to other observer missions interested in visiting and finding out for themselves the on ground progress “we are making in Fiji. This, however, needs to fit in with our timing and be in compliance with the procedures.”
