H.E Michel Djokovic’s Speech for Bastille Day Celebrations - Suva, 14th July 2016
Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Fiji, Jioji Konrote,
Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mrs Ella Sayed-Khaiyum
Hon. Ministers, Members of Parliament,
Members of the diplomatic corps, Government Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen, Chers compatriotes,
I would like to thank you all for your presence at this National Day which is so meaningful to
us and when I say "us", I'm not just speaking about the French, I also speak of all those who
are committed to our values, to our common values, be they French, or Fijian or of another
nationality.
What is the meaning of Bastille Day? First of all, let me say that our motto "Liberty, Equality,
Fraternity" has not aged and is more relevant than ever.
The first meaning that comes to mind is the sense of our past History, so as not to forget to
take a look back and see where we come from. Without the storming of the Bastille prison in
1789, without revolutionary ideas, France wouldn't have become what it is.
Another meaning of the Bastille Day is the will to defend today our values in the face of
threats. The threats are present. We know them, you know them: the bloody terrorist attacks
that killed 130 innocent people last November in Paris, not to mention the attacks that
targeted many other countries show it clearly. I take this opportunity to thank again the Fijians
for their sympathy
Now, concerning the future, let's work together in order to leave a planet where our children
and grand-children can live in peace and safe from disasters.
COP 21 Conference was a decisive and historical step in the fight against climate change and
is the symbol of what we can achieve together, no matter who we are, big nations or small
Pacific nations. It also was a huge success for the French diplomacy
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Fiji and other island states, like Kiribati and Tuvalu, have taken a very active part in the
Conference in Paris last December. Fiji was the first country to ratify the Paris agreement and
France ratified it in June. [This is meaningful- because we need 55 countries to ratify this
treaty, thus representing 55 percent of the world gas emissions, in order for the Paris
Agreement to enter into force].
United, we may defeat climate change and its devastating consequences: cyclones, sea level
rise, drought and flooding that happened in Fiji, neighbouring countries and French Polynesia.
As the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said “There is no plan B because there is no
planet B”.
Alongside the Fijian people, we have lived through the terrifying cyclone Winston. We did
our utmost to respond quickly and to show our sympathy to the victims of this national
disaster and our true solidarity by providing one helicopter for rapid assessment of the
damages and by sending two French Casa aircrafts and one patrol boat to transport
humanitarian assistance. New Caledonia has supported as well the Fijian people in the
aftermath, particularly in the education and agriculture sectors.
Therefore, France, as present chair of COP21 is actively following-up the Paris agreement and
is already quite seriously preparing, together with the Moroccan government, the next step:
COP 22 in November in Marrakesh.
Since last year's Bastille Day, many diverse events linking France and Fiji took place,
strengthening our friendly bonds:
- France organized the 4th France-Oceania summit in Paris in November, with Heads of state
and Prime Ministers, just a few days ahead of the COP21 so that the Pacific countries could
voice their concerns and their expectations in the field of climate change and sustainable
development in the region.
- On defense cooperation, there was a very successful exchange of platoons between
France/New Caledonia and Fiji, and also military French language courses organized for
Fijian officers. Furthermore, joint exercises with patrol boats took place, along operations
against illegal fishing. And negotiations are progressing well concerning a bilateral draft
SOFA agreement. Together with Fiji and many other countries, we are also preparing the
traditional Southern Cross joint Navy exercise, due to take place in November in New
Caledonia waters.
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- Sharing common values with Fiji, we expressed our solidarity with the Fijian government on
Human rights aspects about the situation of women and girls, for their safety and well-being,
and about the gender equality issue, by organizing events in our Residence like Pinktober and
recently, for the LGBTI international Day.
- In the field of scientific and academic cooperation, a bilateral MOU between IRD (Research
Institute for Development, in Nouméa) and USP has been renewed with the support of the
French Embassy, just two weeks ago during the Pace Net Plus regional network meeting in
Nadi.
- As French teachings are one of our priorities, we were honored and grateful to the President
of the Republic for inaugurating the new premises of the Alliance Française in Desvoeux
road, close to the city center. This new building is pleasant, full of light and enthusiasm.
- In June the yearly Music Festival, free and open to everyone, and the week of Francophonia
were a big success and many people attended this festive events!
- Concerning sports, we were very happy to receive at the Residence the Fiji Seven’s just
before they flew to Paris to win this year again the Seven’s world series. We wish the
champions the best of luck for the Rio Olympics. But I have just learned today that Virimi
Vakatawa will play in the French squad, so we too stand a fair chance.
- For Parliament exchanges, we are very glad that a delegation of the French Senate, from the
friendship group with the Pacific Islands, is coming to Suva mid-September. Four French
senators will visit Fiji and Tuvalu to strengthen the bonds between our Parliaments and to
discuss climate change issues.
- For the French community in Fiji, a new e-administration service is now available on-line to
facilitate their registration in the Embassy.
- Last but not least, recent and rejoicing news, at least for the French community and the
cheese lovers: we can now find French cheese in Suva directly imported from France!
Before ending my speech, I wish to thank all those who helped us in organizing this function,
in particular the French companies in Fiji for their generosity. A heartfelt thanks also to the
Fijian companies that were very helpful.
Thank you so much to our sponsors: Total, Taittinger, Bred Bank, Bolloré Logistics, Airbus,
Holiday Inn, Victoria Wines, Fiji Water, Safetech.
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Thank you to the National Youth Band and Tom Mawi’s Band for their wonderful
performance and thank you to the FNU hospitality students who are helping with the service
tonight.
Thank you to the staff of the Residence and the Embassy for their hard work.
Lastly, a very special word to express our deep gratitude to Chef Philippe Garand (where are
you Philippe?) and his team from Holiday Inn, without whom this event would certainly not
be a success. Thank you Philippe for this taste and flavour of France.
Thank you for your attention. Enjoy the evening and Vive la France !
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