The Fiji-China Friendship Association (FCFA) has chosen a new president to take the place of Jiko Luveni, according to an announcement by the Fijian government on Monday.
Rosy Sofia Akbar has officially taken the helm of the FCFA. She now holds the role concurrently with being Fiji's minister for women, children and poverty alleviation, according to the Global Times.
Luveni, meanwhile, has been appointed speaker of Fiji's unicameral parliament, according to a statement by the Department of Information.
"I convey heartfelt thanks to the board of trustees of Fiji-China Friendship Association for giving me the opportunity to have served as the president of this noble association," Luveni said.
"We have a constitution in place that guides the work of the association. The members of this trustee are the representatives of the organizations such as Chinese Association of Fiji, Fiji-China Business Council, Chinese Youth Social and Cultural Association-Fiji and Chinese Education Society of Fiji," she continued.
The official said that these interest groups are a key to the continued growth of the ties between China and Fiji.
"We capitalize on the networks of these associations to increase cooperation between Fiji and China in areas of bilateral trade and friendship. I wish the new president all the best in carrying forward the visions of the Fiji-China Friendship Association," Luveni said.
Akbar, meanwhile, said that she will use her two concurrent roles to serve the interests of the different sectors.
"In my capacity as the new president for Fiji-China Friendship and also the minister for women, children and poverty alleviation, I will ensure that this association continues to grow and strengthen links between Fiji and China," Akbar said.
Established in Feb. 2012, the Fiji-China Friendship Association is aimed at strengthening bilateral exchanges between Fiji and China in aspects such as poverty reduction, sports, culture, women in development, trade and investment.