The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, was accorded a traditional Fijian ceremony of welcome this morning at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Cabinet Ministers, senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his remarks, Deputy Secretary Landau expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Fiji for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.
He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening relations and promoting mutual prosperity with Fiji and the broader Pacific family.
“I would like to begin by thanking God for having brought me here safely, so far away from my home in the city of Washington. I also thank Him for the incredible opportunity to experience this ceremony and for the great respect that you have bestowed upon me.
“I agree with every word that was said on my behalf. When I was a boy, I used to look at maps of the world and study foreign stamps and coins, which I collected. I was always interested in Fiji; it seemed very exotic. To be here today and to have the opportunity to participate in this ceremony with you, Mr. Prime Minister, is something I would never have expected in my life.
“On behalf of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I bring you greetings and respect from the United States of America. I thank you for the great honour you have bestowed upon me through this ceremony. This is an experience I will never forget.”
Following the traditional ceremony of welcome, Deputy Secretary Landau will proceed to a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Rabuka and senior Government officials.
Source: Fiji Government
Sourced from: MoF FB here
