Bad manners: Fiji PM schools media on China in Jaishankar’s presence

PM Rabuka also hailed India as its ‘special friend and trusted partner'.

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka on Thursday had a witty response to a journalist who questioned him and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar if they had any discussion on China.

"We thought it was bad manners to talk about somebody who is not in the building. We spoke about our own cooperation... we're very fortunate to have such a great power and economy talking to us," he said.

He added that Fiji has great old friends and there are 'no really new friends in the region'.
"We have great old friends and there is really no need to look for new friends. There are no really new friends in this region. We have been friends with India, we have been friends with China. We'll continue our relationship," Fiji PM said.

PM Rabuka also hailed India as its 'special friend and trusted partner'. He said that India stood by his country in times of great need and will always be a special friend and trusted partner.

"I'm pleased to say that India will always be a special friend and trusted partner to Fiji," the Fiji Prime Minister said during a joint press statement with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Suva, Fiji, reported ANI.

"Together we've built a robust multifaceted partnership which covers cooperation in all major areas of nation-building. India has stood by us in times of great need. We're grateful to GoI for supporting us through the provision of life-saving vaccines and humanitarian assistance," he said.

Further, Rabuka appreciated PM Modi and the Indian government for their support in co-hosting the 12th World Hindi conference in Fiji.

Fiji appreciates India's commitment towards the development of our pacific region through collective priorities. We are more resolved now than ever to build a strong and sustainable future for families in Fiji, the Pacific and beyond," he added.

India and Fiji are old friend. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established soon after Fiji gained independence from Britain in 1970.

India is one of Fiji's major trading partners and has been a key supplier of goods and services to Fiji, particularly in the areas of education, health, and agriculture.

India has also provided financial assistance and technical expertise to Fiji for various development projects. India has extended lines of credit to Fiji for the development of its sugar industry, and has also provided assistance in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, and education.