PM pays tribute
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday paid tribute to the relations shared between Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Sending a congratulatory message to the newly elected Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, Mr Bainimarama highlighted Fiji electoral process and reforms undertaken towards the 2014 elections, a statement said. Fiji and PNG have shared cordial relations over the years and this was reflected in the congratulatory note to Mr O'Neill.
Russia visit
Fiji's Ambassador to the Russian Federation Isikeli Mataitoga recently visited the maritime province of Vladivostok to promote relations between the countries ahead of the 2012 APEC leaders meeting, next month. The official visit to Vladivostok, capital of the Maritime Province of the Russian Federation, was to meet Sergey Sidorov, the first Vice-Governor and senior officials of the territory government. It's the first ever by senior government official from Fiji, a statement said.
Deep sea talk
A major effort is underway to inform stakeholders from Pacific Island countries and territories about the emerging deep sea minerals industry. Akuila Tawake, team leader of the European Union-funded SPC Deep Sea Minerals (DSM) Project, said a training program was prepared for the regional event to assist stakeholders from Pacific ACP (African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) to participate in the DSM project in a meaningful and effective manner.
Heavenly gift
WHAT an exciting moment as the pastors of the Omega Global Caring Ministry received their musical instruments from their International Headquarters in America. The instruments worth $65,000 were distributed to schools, institutions and various church groups. District superintendent of Fiji Timoci Sokoiwasa said it was a gift from God.
Snail confusion
AUSTRALIA has mistakenly listed Fiji as a port from which Giant African Snails (GAS) originate, a move that has led to tighter quarantine regulations towards the country. However moves are underway by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) to rectify the issue. BAF chief executive officer Elvis Silvestrini said confusion had come about after a transhipped cargo going through Fiji was intercepted in Australia with a GAS.