Fiji eyes strengthening ties with Papua New Guinea

Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have a special responsibility to work together closely for the mutual benefit of their peoples and the wider Melanesian family, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has said.

In extending Fiji's well wishes to PNG on its 40th independence day celebration, the Fijian prime minister highlighted the progress the Melanesian state has made and the importance of its ties with Fiji, Fiji's Department of Information said Tuesday.

Since gaining independence, the two nations have enjoyed close relationship of mutual respect and friendship which was further cemented through their membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Bainimarama told his PNG counterpart Peter O'Neill in the congratulatory message.

"Papua New Guinea's emergence as a powerful economic force with the harnessing of your vast natural resources has been truly remarkable," Bainimarama said.

"Fiji's doors are always open to PNG investors and we look forward to strengthening our ties even further in this area in the months and years ahead," he added.

Bainimarama commended the fellow Melanesian state for successfully hosting the 46th Pacific Islands Forum and Related Meetings, as well as the Pacific Games.

"Fiji also admires the way in which Papua New Guinea successfully hosted the recent Pacific Games, which have been described to me as the best Pacific Games ever," the Fijian prime minister said, adding that the people-to-people ties have never been stronger and this is a cause for great celebration.

Papua New Guinea gained its independence on Sept. 16, 1975 from Australian administration. Endi