Fiji congratulates Kiribati's Maamau on being elected president

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has congratulated Kiribati's newly-elected President Taneti Maamau, the Fijian government announced Monday.

In a congratulatory message to Maamau, who won the presidential election last week, Bainimarama said he looks forward to working closely with Kiribati on advancing areas of mutual interest, according to Fiji's Department of Information.

"I look forward to working closely with you in the continued strengthening of our bilateral relationship through the pursuit of areas of mutual interest," he said.

Fiji will work in partnership with Kiribati in addressing the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change, Bainimarama said.

"Fiji will continue to work in partnership with the Republic of Kiribati in addressing the challenges posed by the imminent impacts of climate change as we stand in solidarity for the sake of our current and future generations," the Fijian prime minister said.

"Please accept...the assurances of my highest consideration and my warmest wishes for a prosperous 2016 as you begin your new term in office," Bainimarama told Maamau in the congratulatory message.

Maamau was sworn in last Friday and succeeded 12 years of presidency by Anote Tong, becoming the fifth president of Kiribati. Endit