“He continues to ensure that we enjoy a cordial relationship in the Pacific Islands and continues to strive for that ‘Pacific way’ of dealing with issues rather than to bring in the foreign concept of ‘imposition through the check book,’ ” said Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
Bainimarama’s comment comes as Fiji faces suspension from the Forum if it fails to hold elections this year.
Despite the ultimatum and criticisms of his regime by Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and certain other Pacific island leaders, Bainimarama has no doubt that Fiji will always find an ally in PNG.
“His address at the last Forum was an excellent statement by a statesman,” Bainimarama said in an interview with Fijilive.
“If his statement is something to go by, then I believe PNG will continue to support us amidst the bullying tactics of our so called big brothers.”
Bainimarama also expressed appreciation to Somare for the contribution of F$1million ($539,694) by his government toward relief work after Fiji’s recent floods.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Fiji, I would like to convey to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, our heartfelt appreciation for the contribution of F$1million toward the Prime Minister’s Relief and Rehabilitation Fund Account,” he said.
Bainimarama also thanked Somare for his “interventions” at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Special Meeting held last month in PNG on behalf of Fiji and “the continuing work done in the background to enable a better understanding of the situation in Fiji by the Forum member countries.”
