Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

He says under Prime Minister Rabuka, Fiji has afformed the reopening of this office.

“We indicated, offering land and assistance towards building their permanent office here in PNG,” said PM Marape.

He added, “There was a request made for reciprocal give of land, and Prime Minister Rabuka did indicate looking for a land in Suva for a mission to be established there.”

“Those reciprocal commitments were made.”

PM Marape says by mid-year, a Fijians ambassador or high commissioner will take up post in Port Moresby.

As he acknowledged the warm hospitality, PM Marape assured PM Rabuka that he had Papua New Guinean’s support both as Prime Minister and current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.

“Much of the Pacific’s future is in the hands of both PNG and Fiji,” said PM Marape as he reflected on the relationship between both countries forged by their great leaders Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, which both countries enjoy today.

Both great leaders were honoured in a friendly Golf match, the “Ratu Mara-Somare” Cup.

Key points:

• It comes after two days of negotiations following Fiji's election, which saw no party win an outright majority
• The announcement marks the end of 16 years of leadership under Frank Bainimarama
• A narrow majority of SODELPA members voted to side with the People's Alliance Party and the NFP

The People's Alliance Party lead will lead Fiji for the next term after his People's Alliance party clinched a deal with the Social Democratic Liberal Party this afternoon.