Geneva, Switzerland – September 28, 2024 – Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda C. Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. hosted a lunch and bwebwenato (informal discussion) with Pacific Ambassadors in Geneva on Saturday. The gathering aimed to strengthen regional ties and foster collaboration among Pacific nations.
During the event, President Heine expressed her gratitude to the Ambassadors for participating and sharing supportive statements during the RMI’s recent nuclear side-event. Attendees included Nauru First Secretary Moana Dageago, FSM Ambassador Akilino Susaia, Fiji Ambassador Luke Daunivalu, Kiribati ILO/WHO/HRC Liaison John Maraxita III, Samoa First Secretary Lonnie Tuatagaloa, Vanuatu Ambassador Sumbue Antas, Australia First Secretary Kirsten Storey, and New Zealand DPR Nathan Glassey.
The lunch provided a unique opportunity for the Pacific Ambassadors to exchange their views and experiences with President Heine around cooperative arrangements with the UN and the commitment of Pacific leaders to work together for the benefit of their communities. Emphasis was made on the importance of unity in addressing shared challenges for the Pacific, which President Heine was pleased to hear.
President Heine and First Gentleman were accompanied by Presidential Envoy Senator David Anitok, Ambassador Doreen Debrum, Chief of Staff Emma Kabua-Tibon, and Press Secretary Samelda Leon.
