President Konrote holds virtual Conference Call with Australia’s Governor-General
January 28, 2021
His Excellency Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote, The President of the Republic of Fiji and First Lady, Madam Sarote Konrote held a virtual meeting with the Governor-General of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs. Hurley from the State House Morning Room.
His Excellency Major-General (Ret'd) Jioji Konusi Konrote and First Lady Madam Sarote Konrote during a conference call with the Governor-General of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency Mrs Hurley.
President Konrote congratulated the Honourable Hurley on the recent celebration of Australia Day and wished the country and its People much success, prosperity and abundance. The Head of State further added, since the establishment of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership in 2019, the two [2] countries have enjoyed and valued the strong friendship and enduring mutually-beneficial relationship that has been shared and continues to grow stronger.
His Excellency the President expressed his deepest gratitude for the swift response and generosity of the Australian Government and all Australians in the deployment of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to Fiji earlier this month to render assistance to Tropical Cyclone Yasa relief efforts for affected areas in Vanua Levu. “The arrival of the HMAS Adelaide exhibited the spirit and heart of Australia’s generosity that reflects the true meaning of our ‘Vuvale’. As your home is our home and ours yours, we continue to be blessed by the deepening and strengthening of our bonds in the deployment of our defence personnel in times of great need.”
The Head of State also shared his personal experience whilst travelling up North with his team commending the tremendous job well done carried out by the ADF Servicemen and women.
The Honourable David Hurley thanked the Head of State, Government, and its people for Fiji’s generous support to the Australia emergency bush fire response through the provision of troops from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces during a time when Australia faced an unprecedented national disaster as the bush fires swept across the larger parts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic both the Heads of State are optimist that the prospect of the commencement of the rollout of the COVID 19 vaccination for both countries as it signals renewed hopes for the opening of borders. Mrs. Hurley, wife of the Honourable Governor-General of Australia, expressed her gratitude and joy of being able to sing in church without masks during a Christmas church service, "something’s we took for granted but indebtly grateful to have the liberty to do".
President Konrote digressed and acknowledged the Honourable Hurley for receiving Fijian sports players into the country despite the current border control and closures across the globe but still maintaining our strong Vuvale Partnership.
The Head of State hopes to host Their Excellencies on our shores should future circumstances permit.