Rabuka: Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Fiji, Mr Raden Mohammad Benyamin Scott Carnadi, paid a farewell courtesy call today on the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka thanked Ambassador Carnadi for his commitment and service to Fiji and wished him well in his future endeavours.
He acknowledged that the levels of cooperation between Fiji and Indonesia have strengthened during Ambassador Carnadi’s term in Fiji.
Prime Minister Rabuka extended sincere appreciation of the Government and the people of Fiji to Indonesia for their support to our nation over the years. Indonesia’s assistance to Fiji in the areas of socioeconomic development, humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts amidst the natural disasters and other global challenges was acknowledged.
The upgrading of Queen Victoria School (QVS) and the Grant arrangement for the Dobuilevu Demonstration Farm Project are key infrastructural projects supported by Indonesia.
Prime Minister Rabuka said Fiji looks forward to Indonesia’s continued cooperation to create new opportunities for development in Fiji, the Pacific and beyond.
In his role as the new Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Rabuka spoke on the immediate priorities of the Forum family and Fiji’s commitment to nurturing stronger partnerships on the values of mutual respect, goodwill and understanding.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Indonesia, Ambassador Carnadi conveyed his heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka for his leadership of the new coalition Government of the Republic of Fiji.
Ambassador Carnadi reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthen robust bilateral relations with Fiji, and he’s grateful he had the opportunity to live and serve in Fiji for nearly five years.
“I will cherish and take back with me the fond memories and valuable experiences of the distinct rich Fijian culture and tradition. The beauty, quality of life, and hospitality of this country have made my stay in Fiji a very memorable one. I will be leaving Fiji with a wealth of memories that I will always treasure for the rest of my life.
“To conclude, I wish to wholeheartedly and sincerely thank the Government and the people of Fiji for the wonderful friendship, support and cooperation extended to me while serving in Fiji.
Rest assured that Indonesia will definitely continue to deepen, widen and strengthen its engagements, relations and cooperation with Fiji and all the Pacific Islands countries. Vinaka Vakalevu and Sota Tale,” Ambassador Carnadi said.
Fiji and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1974. The key areas of cooperation include people-to-people links, technical training in human resource development in fisheries and agriculture and climate change, women’s empowerment, defence, policing, disaster management and forestry, amongst others.
