Former High Court Judge, Justice Nazhat Shameem was formally commissioned today as the first permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organisations based in Geneva.
Mrs Shameem will be ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Switzerland. Her role will be in two folds; to represent Fiji in all the United Nations organisations in Geneva and as Ambassador-designate to Switzerland, which is a first for Fiji.
During the event, Mrs Shameem expressed gratitude of the Fijian Government and highlighted the importance of UN to Fiji.
“Fiji as a member of the UN is growing and will work by its rules and regulations. I am proud to represent Fiji at the international stage and Geneva is an important platform for Fiji,” Mrs Shameem said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Amena Yauvoli said the Ambassador-designate would depart for Geneva, Switzerland later this month while Fiji’s Mission in Geneva would officially open in June.
“Fiji has 30 international organisations based in Geneva apart from the UN. Fiji will look after its obligations and undertake its commitments and enable us to do better being present there,” Mr Yauvoli said.
Mrs Shameem’s appointment is for a term of three years.
The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by the acting President of Fiji, Justice William Calanchini.
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