Fiji’s Heads of Missions Meeting has concluded following the comprehensive deliberation of three (3) days of dialogue with a focus on developing collaborative strategies and networking to deepen Fiji’s bilateral and multilateral engagements and economic cooperation through Fiji’s 13 Diplomatic Missions based in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, India, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Malaysia, and Permanent Missions in New York, United States and Geneva in Switzerland.
The first of such meetings for Fiji’s diplomatic missions was held at the iTaukei Trust Fund Board Talanoa Lounge, Nasese, Suva. It was officially closed yesterday afternoon by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Filimone Jitoko.
The Speaker highlighted his experiences as a former diplomat and Head of Mission and elaborated on the importance of diplomacy in advancing Fiji's interests globally. The Speaker’s first posting as a diplomat was as Second Secretary in 1979, to Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), that coincided with the UN General Assembly in September.
The Speaker acknowledged the crucial work of Fiji’s diplomatic missions and wished them well in their calling to represent His Excellency the President, the Government and the people on the global stage.
“As you wrap up this consultation, I hope that the knowledge and experiences shared here will greatly enhance Fiji’s diplomatic efforts and contribute to the achievement of our national goals. At the end of it all, you, in whatever capacities you are in, all serve to further these goals and ultimately for the betterment of our country and our people."
“It is my prayer that you will continue to work together with dedication and commitment to advance Fiji’s interests and indeed its future on the global stage. You have engaged in fruitful discussions, shared valuable insights, and raised challenges that you faced and in the process, strengthened your collective understanding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ mandate as it implements Fiji’s foreign policy and its international commitments,” the Speaker said.
Fiji’s Heads of Missions are grateful to have this platform to openly discuss foreign relations issues, national priorities, challenges, and shared good practices and explore practical solutions to maximise return on investment that yield tangible benefits for the people of Fiji.
During the Meeting, Fiji’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners had the opportunity to review priorities and goals of their respective Missions and collectively discuss, among others, critical topics such as –
· The role of Fiji in the international system and the bilateral and multilateral engagements;· The aspirations and challenges within the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group;
· Fiji’s National Development Plan, Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper; and National Security Strategies, National Information Management Strategy; and
· The importance of effective Government communication and the role of Fiji’s Missions in achieving these objectives.
The dialogue delved into the facilitation of Fiji’s development through external trade, foreign investment, climate change initiatives, infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of key sectors such as economy, trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism and civil aviation.
The discussions underscored the importance of aligning policies with Fiji’s national interests and priorities and goals across the entire government system.