Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will be accorded a full Fijian traditional welcoming ceremony when he arrives in Rarotonga for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

The welcoming ceremony will be conducted by the Cook Islands Friends of Fiji Inc (FOF). Rabuka will be arriving into the country on Sunday, November 5 on the Fiji Airways flight at around 11.15pm.

The Fijian PM has confirmed his availability and attendance at the full traditional welcome protocol alongside 13 other Fiji delegates.

Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and his first secretary, Mela Baba will also be in the country for the meeting.  

In a statement, FOF says they are a committed and driven community organisation, with objectives to foster democracy, human rights, community involvement, and open communication.

“We believe in the power of the rule of law and democracy as the cornerstone of our beloved homeland and new homes. This is in light of the forthcoming Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting to commence on November 6.”  

FOF champions the protection and promotion of human rights and civil liberties, holding the government accountable and ensuring the protection of public rights. 

“FOF also recognises the vast blue Pacific as an integrated whole by our shared geography that highlights the geographical proximity of these island nations, emphasizing that they are all situated within the same vast ocean, creating a natural connection.”  

On October 21, the FOF President extended a traditional invitation for attendance to the Cook Islands Fijian Community through its president Wayne Insimo and his executives. 

Due to security protocol and catering purposes, attendees are required to register with Dick Ratawake on 73453 or Gander Wainiqolo on 52779.