Fiji FM: Iran, Fiji To Establish Diplomatic Ties

Tehran, Aug 28, IRNA - Fiji’s Foreign Minister Inoke Kubuabola said on Tuesday that Iran and Fiji will sign a memorandum of understanding to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. Fiji’s foreign minister is in Tehran to participate in the Non-Aligned Movement ministerial meeting. Speaking to IRNA at Imam Khomeini international airport, he said during his stay in Tehran he will visit Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi to sign the MoU for the first ever time to form diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He expressed the hope that the MoU would prepare ground for opening of Fijis consulate office in Tehran. Fiji is among new member of NAM which joined the world body last year, he said. Fiji is now moving forwards to experience democratic system and in the 16th NAM summit and is to make use of advices and comments of other member states to this end, he said. During the two-day ministerial meeting, foreign ministers of the NAM nations are to review a draft statement ratified by experts of some 120 NAM members during a meeting held on August 26-27. The document included major issues such as the fight against imperialism and racism, avoiding occupation and military aggression against NAM states, stressing the need for a world free from nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction and respecting the rights of all world countries to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. After being discussed at the ministerial meeting, the draft would be finalized at the 16th NAM summit. The Summit of Leaders that will last two days is slated for August 30-31./end