The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has clarified that it has not received any formal communication regarding a meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, despite Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement that a GCC delegation would soon travel to England for discussions. GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula expressed surprise at the Prime Minister’s statement, stating that the council only learned about the proposed engagement through the announcement.
“To date, no formal communication or invitation has been received from His Majesty King Charles III or through any official diplomatic channel,” he noted. Ratu Viliame emphasized the importance of respecting formal diplomatic processes and stated that the council would consider any official invitation in its scheduled meeting on November 25 and 26.
The Prime Minister had informed provincial leaders at a recent meeting that the GCC representatives would engage in talks with King Charles, aiming to strengthen the relationship between Fiji’s chiefly institutions and the British Crown. Mr. Rabuka also encouraged leaders to prepare discussion points in anticipation of the proposed dialogue, which he described as a continuation of the dialogue initiated by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s recent visit to England.
This forthcoming dialogue takes place against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to enhance relations between Fiji and the UK, particularly after King Charles III expressed a strong interest in fostering economic ties with Fiji in sectors such as mahogany and sugar. The King has acknowledged the contributions of Fijian soldiers serving in the British Armed Forces, further underlining the significance of Fiji within the Commonwealth.
As the GCC prepares to deliberate on potential engagements, there is an optimistic outlook for collaboration, which may lead to fruitful partnerships and expanded opportunities for Fiji. The engagement reflects a commitment to dignified and transparent diplomatic interactions, paving the way for nurturing relations between the two nations in the future.
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