TUVALU Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga says his Fijian counterpart Voreqe Bainimarama has offered to help with the relocation of Tuvaluans affected by climate change.
Mr Sopoaga, the incoming chair of the 2019 Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, said Mr Bainimarama had written letters to his government.
“Frank has offered Tuvalu and Kiribati many times and even written letters to say we have space for you guys if you decide to come,” he said.
He said Mr Bainimarama’s attendance at this week’s forum leaders meeting showed the warm relations between Pacific island heads.
He added that Fiji had always been a part of the forum and news that Fiji had left the forum because of disagreements with Australia had never affected its ties with the PIF.
“I’m not sure if Fiji ever left the forum itself. They’ve been a member of the forum ever since.
“From my own recollection, I don’t think Fiji ever walked out.
“Fiji has always been there — a significant member of the forum. He’s here in Tuvalu and I think we should take advantage of that.”
Mr Bainimarama has not attended the PIF Leaders meeting for the past 10 years.
