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Fijian PM to attend India-Pacific islands dialogue meeting

Xinhua, August 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will attend an India-Pacific islands dialogue meeting to be held in India later this month, the Fijian government announced Thursday.

Bainimarama will join leaders at the second Forum for India- Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit from Aug. 20 to Aug. 21 in three Indian cities to discuss ways to enhance India's relationship with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries, Fiji's Department of Information said, adding that a total of 13 leaders from Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, have confirmed their attendance.

This year's meeting follows the summit held in Fiji last year between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pacific islands leaders.

"The success of last year's summit led to Prime Minster Modi's proposal that FIPIC be held regularly, with this year's meeting to be held in India. In line with last year's summit, this year's meeting will look at strengthening cooperation between Pacific Island states and India," the department said in a statement.

"The Fijian and Indian governments share many interests including a strong commitment to democracy, both countries have much to gain by expanding trade, investment, and cultural and technical exchanges," Bainimarama said. "It is my hope that this visit will strengthen our friendship and allow India and Fiji to move forward together into a future of shared prosperity."

Due to historical and colonial reasons, nearly 40 percent of Fiji's population are of Indian descent. Endi