Fijian Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, in a congratulatory letter to the newly appointed Prime Minister and the Interior Minister for the State of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, said he looked forward to an increased bilateral contact and friendship between the two countries.
PM Bainimarama said Fiji and Qatar would continue working in close partnership during Sheikh Abdullah’s term, as well as consolidating relations to a partnership of strategic value.
Sheikh Abdullah was named Qatar’s new Prime Minister on Wednesday, June 26, 2013.
PM Bainimarama, in extending warmest congratulations to his Qatari counterpart, wished the Government every success in its work.
“The State of Qatar is a symbol of political stability in the region and we have witnessed once again your political stability and maturity in the peaceful transition in government that has taken place in the last few days,” PM Bainimarama said.
“I also note the leadership that Qatar is providing in the region with several practical initiatives towards restoring peace and stability in the region. I am confident that you will work towards these initiatives even further and contribute to global peace and security with your experience and wise judgment.”
PM Bainimarama said Fiji appointed its first Ambassador to the State of Qatar earlier this year, which is indicative of the deliberate steps taken to broaden friendship and partnerships in international relations and development.
“We were also pleased that your Foreign Minster now, Dr Khalid Bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, visited us last year in his capacity as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.”
The Prime Minister also thanked the State of Qatar for the generous financial contribution made towards the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund for assistance to the victims of the floods in Fiji in December, 2012.
Fiji and Qatar established formal diplomatic relations in New York on October 20, 2010.
MINFO