The Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea has acknowledged the long standing diplomatic relations between Fiji and the United States of America.
Speaking at the official welcoming of the Mercy team in Daku resort last night, Mr Vocea said that diplomatic relation between the two countries dates back to 1971.
“Since then the two countries have shared multi ethnic heritage and a common outlook on Pacific Island regional issues,” Mr Vocea said.
Mr Vocea said the collaboration between the two countries with the Pacific Partnership 2015 programme in Fiji has now materialized with the goodwill visit of the Mercy Ship.
“We have a lot in common, Fiji and the US belong to a number of the same International Organizations including the UN, IMF, World Banks and Asian Development Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO),” Mr Vocea said.
“We are now witnessing the largest ever humanitarian and Pacific Assistance in the Asia Pacific region since 2006 and we salute the US Navy Mercy team for the assistance rendered here in the form of humanitarian and civic action programs for the Fijian people and in particular the Fijian people in the Northern Division,” Mr Vocea said.
Mr Vocea said the teams were at the Labasa Hospital, Seaqaqa and Dreketi today, a health awareness and eyes checkups at the Ratu Ganilau park in Savusavu on the 15th and 16th.
“We give you our full support and ensure that the Northern people, business communities and government stakeholders will support you.” Mr Vocea added.
Press Release