New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced an additional NZ$11.1 million (around FJ$15 million) in climate change support for Fiji to help deal with the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is an issue we must all face together, and our international climate finance commitment of NZ$1.3 billion will help address the increased vulnerability climate change creates for economies, communities, food and water security, and ecosystems in the Pacific,” Hipkins said in a joint statement following his meeting with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Wellington.
“Many New Zealanders have experienced firsthand through Cyclone Gabrielle the devastation it causes communities, and this additional funding will assist Fiji to deliver community-based climate adaptation and mitigation projects.”
Rabuka thanked his New Zealand counterpart for the support and considered the visit a significant milestone in the New Zealand-Fiji relationship as outlined in the Duavata Relationship Statement of Partnership.
“This additional funding from New Zealand is very welcome. It will support Fiji to implement discrete projects in renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, climate policy, and capacity strengthening.”
As well as bilateral priorities, the two leaders also discussed their vision for the region, in line with the goals set out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent by Pacific Leaders during the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji, last year.
Rabuka is on his first official visit to New Zealand since 1989.
Photo: DINFO Fiji
