Australia welcomes Fiji's Commonwealth Games participation

Media release

17 March 2014

I welcome the 14 March 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.

Fiji has many fine athletes and the Commonwealth Games will be richer for their participation.

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 normalisation of Australia-Fiji relations.

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.

I also welcome the Commonwealth's continued offer of elections assistance to Fiji and I encourage further Commonwealth discussion with Fiji on possible support.

Australia continues to work with the Fiji Government and other donors on Fiji's election preparations and strongly supports the country's return to the Commonwealth.