Prime Minister Rabuk’s arrival at Jackson’s International Airport was marked by grand reception where he was warmly received by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso and Minister for Internal Security Hon. Peter Tsiamalili, followed by a Ceremonial Guard of Honor Parade performed by the members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

Prime Minister Rabuka then paid a courtesy call to the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea His Excellency Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae at Government House prior to meeting Prime Minister Marape for a bilateral meeting which follows on form their discussions in Suva earlier this year (2023).  

In a small but very significant ceremony held at the Government House, Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegates performed their traditional Fijian reconciliation ceremony concluded with a presentation of a whale tooth which signify their forgiveness and reconciliation on behalf of the people of Fiji for the closure of the Fijian High Commission in Port Moresby in 2020.

Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae informed the Fijian Prime Minister that he welcomed the gesture on behalf of the Government and People of Papua New Guinea, and further welcomed Fiji Government intentions to re-open the Fiji High Commission in PNG. 

“Papua New Guinea is happy to welcome you back and we look forward to seeing you reestablish your office here. Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1975, we have maintained a strong relationship based on our close traditional ties and in as far as working together and providing leadership to our neighbouring Pacific Island family,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

In response, Prime Minister Rabuka said, PNG is now playing a major role in the Pacific in aligning itself with leading nations of the world and urged that PNG pursue the interests of the Pacific in these alliances.

“It is important now more than ever that the Papua New Guinea and Fiji relationship is consolidated so that we can provide that leadership in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea is now playing a big role in aligning itself with those (nations) that are interested in PNG’s strategic location and influence in the region.

“May these interests be in the pursuit of peace and serenity and addressing issues affecting our environment and region,” Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated. 

Prime Minister Rabuka also presented an official invitation from the President of Fiji to the Governor General of Papua New Guinea to visit Fiji which the Governor General has accepted the invitation.

* Picture: Fiji PM Rabuka, inspects the ceremonial guard of honor upon arrival at the APEC Terminal (PC: Aizowe Otu, DICT Media)