Former French rugby player Abdelatif Benazzi, who currently serves as the Vice-President of the French Rugby Federation and Chairman of the Six Nations Rugby Championship, met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday. This meeting was focused on advancing sports diplomacy and enhancing Fiji’s relationships with France and Europe, particularly through rugby.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his appreciation for the significant efforts France has made in providing opportunities for Fijian athletes to compete in prestigious leagues like the French Top 14. Benazzi, acknowledging Fiji’s rich rugby culture, thanked Rabuka for the opportunity to discuss the elements that contribute to rugby’s development in both nations.
Benazzi, who is in Fiji for a rugby event in Nadi, was accompanied by John Sanday, Chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union, and Koli Sewabu, the acting chief executive. Notably, the meeting alluded to a memorable match in 1999, when Benazzi and Sewabu faced each other during a crucial game between France and Fiji, highlighting the long-standing connections and shared history between the two rugby nations.
This collaboration reiterates the importance of sports as a catalyst for diplomatic relations, as seen in previous engagements between national leaders like Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka and French President Emmanuel Macron. Their discussions often emphasize the pivotal role of rugby in fostering goodwill and mutual respect between the countries.
The meeting underscores a positive trajectory for Fiji and France’s partnership, emphasizing the potential for sports to bridge cultural divides and inspire future generations of athletes from both nations. As Fiji continues to excel in rugby, its legacy can further develop through these international connections and collaborative efforts.
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