Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has welcomed the decision by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to allow Fiji to participate in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, ahead of the country’s full return to the Commonwealth following elections in September.
“I warmly welcome the Fiji Government’s positive response to the Commonwealth’s decision, particularly its announcement that it looks forward to receiving a formal invitation to rejoin the Commonwealth. The decision of the Commonwealth is consistent with the new policy approach of the Australian Government of re-engagement and normalization of Australia-Fiji relations.” Minister Bishop commented.
Minister Bishop explained that CMAG’s recognition of Fiji’s progress towards elections follows the statement by the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group in February acknowledging Fiji’s significant progress in returning to parliamentary democracy.