Government’s commitment to the People’s Charter in enhancing global integration and international relations bore fruit after the opening of the Fiji High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa yesterday. Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama who officially opened Fiji’s first diplomatic mission in the African continent acknowledged the similarities in colonial experiences between Fiji and South Africa. The High Commission in Pretoria compliments Government’s commitment towards its “Look North Policy” and expanding international relations with non-traditional partners. “The opening of the resident mission symbolizes the new paradigm shift in Fiji. My government believes in engagement with the wider international community. We believe that engagement should not only be confined to those nearest to us. International cooperation and engagement is critical to achieving global understanding and peace. After all, it is only through appreciating differences and capitalizing on diversity can we become richer in mind and matter”, Bainimarama said. Commodore Bainimarama added that the opening of the mission would also compliment South Africa’s diplomatic mission to Fiji which is based in Suva. “The Fiji Mission here of course will not only comp lement the South African Mission in Suva which opened its doors on 28th December 2007 but it will also position Fiji to deal directly with Pretoria”. “South Africa will also become the gateway to the rest of the African countries”. Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, and Fiji’s Ambassador to the European Union His Excellency Peceli Vocea were present to witness the occasion. Fiji’s first resident mission in Pretoria will have as its inaugural High Commissioner His Excellency High Commissioner-designate Ben Salacakau, and Mr. Sisalo Otealagi as First Secretary. The High Commission is located at 240 Eridanus St in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria. -ends-