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Speaking on the occasion, the President welcomed all the Heads of State/Government of Pacific Island Countriesto India. 

 

He said even though India is separated from the Pacific Island Countries by oceans and continents, India is proud to have a long tradition of close friendship with them.

 

"The Government of India attaches great importance to its relations with their friends in the Pacific Island Countries. India believes economic linkages and co-operation with Pacific Island countries are a key factor in it’s extended “Act East” Policy," Mukherjee said. 

The President said India is delighted to host the 2nd Summit of the Forum for India- Pacific Islands Co-operation. The establishment of the Forum reflects the desire of all its member countries to build an enduring partnership between our nations and our peoples. 

 

"The Pacific Island Countries are generously endowed with natural resources. India would be happy to work with them in harnessing their mineral, marine and hydrocarbon resources. Government of India and private sector are keen to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade and encourage investments in fisheries, agriculture, oil and natural gas, mining and water desalination," he said.. 

The President said India appreciates the support it has received from them for its candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. UNSC reform and expansion will be discussed and concrete proposals are expected to be considered in the forthcoming UNGA session next month. 

 

"An intergovernmental negotiating text is already on the table, for which India needs their support. Our nations share a common commitment to the reform of institutions of global governance – so that they better reflect the aspirations of developing countries. India believes that it is vital for them to work together to push for these long awaited reforms in the forthcoming session of the UNGA," he said. 

The second FIPIC Summit will be held in Jaipur on Friday. FIPIC has as its members India and 14 Pacific Island countries, namely Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.