DILI, 13 May 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic Jose Ramos-Horta held a highly productive bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby.
The meeting celebrated the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the two Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Prime Minister Rabuka invoked a profound sense of “Pacific brotherhood,” emphasizing that the relationship between Fiji, Timor-Leste, and the broader Pacific region is built upon a rich legacy of historical solidarity and regional unity established by their founding leaders.
Welcoming this vision of regional fraternity, President Ramos-Horta stressed the critical need to translate this historical solidarity into concrete, actionable cooperation.
The Head of State highlighted that working together is essential to tackle the contemporary challenges facing island nations today, particularly severe climate vulnerability, food security, and economic inclusion.
Both leaders expressed a strong mutual willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, ensuring shared economic resilience and sustainable development for their peoples.
On the multilateral front, the meeting focused on coordinating strategic diplomatic positions to amplify the voices of island nations at the United Nations.
President Ramos-Horta referenced his recent official letter sent to the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, advocating for essential UN reforms.
Crucially, the President also officially requested Fiji’s support for Portugal’s candidacy for the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
The dialogue concluded with a unified commitment to advancing peace, environmental resilience, and global justice across the Pacific and beyond.
TATOLI
