President Surangel Whipps Jr. congratulated Sitiveni Rabuka on his office as the new Prime Minister of Fiji.
In his congratulatory message on Dec. 30, 2022, Whipps said he is looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister to advance several issues of common interest in the region, most importantly on climate change and ocean issues.
“Both Fiji and Palau are part of the Pacific family, this means we share many commonalities and challenges alike.” Whipps said.
The Palau president highlights the pressing issue of climate change and ocean as challenges for the region and to overcome the challenges, he said, working together with the Pacific nations will bring sustainable solutions.
“No one values our homes more than we do and our pursuits of finding solutions to address the climate crisis is more than just a desire but a commitment to our people that we will find the means necessary to save our homes,” Whipps said.
He noted that as small islands developing nations, unity is important in overcoming the challenges.
Whipps also thanked the former Prime Minister Frank Bainamarama in his service to Fiji.