Ambassador’s Speech at the Welcoming Reception
on the occasion of the 23rd Ship for the World Youth's Port of Call programe to Fiji
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and other representatives of the Government of Fiji,
Youth Participants and other members on board the Fuji Maru,
The Fiji Alumni of the SWY,
Fellow Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening, Nisa Bula, Namaste and Konbanwa
On behalf of Administrator of the 23rd Ship for World Youth and myself, I extend heartfelt welcome to tonight’s reception to highlight the visit of the Fuji Maru to Suva.
At the outset, I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to the Ministry for Director Makereta Sauturaga, and other representatives of the Department of Youth and Sports of Fiji for their excellent support for the visit of SWY 23 to Fiji. They have also been extremely helpful in making this visit widely known to the people of Fiji. In fact, SWY 23 has been widely reported in Fiji’s media, even before the ship arrives in Suva today.
I also wish to thank the members of the Fiji Alumni of SWY for their hearty cooperation for the visit of SWY 23 to Suva. Without their hard work, this visit would never have been successful.
To those participants of SWY 23 from outside of the Pacific region, I wish to accord my cordial welcome to this region, particularly to Fiji. The Pacific region offers number of good things, including nice climate, beautiful scenery and rich culture. I hope you will appreciate these good things while you are in Fiji and also while you visit a few other countries of the Pacific region.
Those participants from the Pacific region, particularly from Fiji, I wish to urge you to make sure that your colleagues on board will fully enjoy many good things while they are in Fiji and in a few other countries of the Pacific region, in the Pacific sprit or in the ‘Pacific Way’ as you say in this region.
Those of you here tonight who are not familiar with Ship for World Youth or SWY program as yet, I wish to appeal to you to take tonight’s opportunity to get to know all the good thing about this program through interaction with participants on board. I am sure that they will tell you how wonderful their experiences have been so far and that they expect much more exciting things will happen during the rest of their voyage.
Last year, Fiji celebrated its 40th anniversary since independence. Last year also marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Japan and Fiji. During these 40 years, Japan and Fiji developed very close relations in many areas.
The visit of SWY 23 to Fiji will be remembered as a significant event to mark the start of the 41st year of bilateral ties. With this good start, I am convinced that two countries will further enjoy close relationship.
I hope you will enjoy the rest of the evening.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyabard and Domoarigato !
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