The Interim Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum Mr Amena Yauvoli yesterday afternoon received the visiting non-Resident Ambassador for Portugal to Fiji His Excellency Paulo Cunha Alves, at the PIDF Secretariat in Nasese, Suva.
Welcoming Ambassador Alves, Mr Yauvoli expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with an important member of the European Union and an important partner in development for the Pacific. Highlighting the critical importance of partnerships in addressing the severe challenges facing Small Island developing States, Mr Yauvoli expressed the confidence that Portugal and the PIDF can build on their good relations and work collaboratively in helping the Pacific transition to climate compatible development.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Yauvoli said,
“We appreciate the support Portugal provides to the Pacific as an important member of the EU family and the UN in general. We note their active support of the United Nations” efforts on a sustainable management of the oceans and its resources. They co-chair the working group that will complete the first Global Report of the Marine Environment and we appreciate their online casino call for the adoption of an international instrument, in the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, on conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.This is in line with our own efforts to protect, manage and sustain the cultural and natural integrity of our ocean for present and future generations and for the broader global community. Together we are telling the world that preserving and protecting oceans and seas is crucial for the health of our planet.”
