In a momentous occasion today for Fiji’s diplomatic services, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, officially opened the 3-day Heads of Missions Consultation in Suva.
The meeting convenes the 13 Heads of Missions from Fiji’s diplomatic missions worldwide to deliberate on Fiji’s national priorities, following the recent launch of Fiji’s National Development Plan, the Foreign Policy White Paper, and the National Defence and Security Strategy.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the Heads of Missions (Ambassadors and High Commissioners) and emphasised the importance of clarity of mission, commitment to delivery, accountability and high standards to be maintained at all times by the diplomats entrusted with the vital role in representing Fiji at the regional and global stages.
He highlighted the importance of strategically aligning the work of Fiji’s diplomatic missions to the national development goals, with emphasis on promoting economic cooperation and peace, sovereignty, and prosperity—key pillars of Fiji’s Foreign Policy.
Prime Minister Rabuka reminded the diplomats of their individual mission, their role as public servants in representing the truth about Fiji, the aspirations, hopes, and interests of the Fijian people.
He encouraged them to lift their efforts in developing meaningful relations with the accredited countries and organisations and leverage the multilateral system to promote Fiji’s reputation as a peaceful and harmonious nation. He reminded the Heads of Missions that the most telling way is to live that truth, that we are the demonstration of the standards and changes we would like to see. That way Fiji will be known and respected.
The Prime Minister recognised Fiji’s long history in international peacekeeping and how Fiji has staked its position in this respect. Further, he underscored that we need to build that peace at home and in our region.
Additionally, PM Rabuka acknowledged the continued efforts of Fiji’s Diplomatic Missions abroad in representing the nation and wished them well for the coming year, noting that the consultations would be pivotal in identifying areas for improvement in the services they provide.
The consultations will focus on strategies to deepen Fiji’s bilateral and multilateral engagements, maximising returns of investment to generate tangible benefits for ordinary Fijians, economic development and climate – oceans-security nexus. The diplomats are grateful for the opportunity to be able to share valuable insights and expertise, especially with the valuable participation of various permanent secretaries and senior officials from international and regional agencies and former diplomats. Also present today were former permanent secretaries, ambassadors, and diplomats on whose shoulders the current group of diplomats continue to serve the country.
In closing, Prime Minister Rabuka extended his best wishes to the diplomats for productive deliberations and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Assistant Minister Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, Permanent Secretary Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala and the MFA team.
The meeting underscored the commitment of the People’s Coalition Government to enhance Fiji's diplomatic footprint globally through stronger partnerships tailored to the development needs and priorities of Fiji and its people.
The 13 Ambassadors and High Commissioners participating in the 3-day consultations include:
1. Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Jovilisi Suveinakama
2. Fiji's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Siddiq Faizal Riyad Koya
3. Fiji's Permanent Representative at the United Nations & International Organisations Ambassador Luke Daunivalu
4. Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini
5. Fiji's High Commissioner to Australia, Ajay Amrit
6. Fiji's Ambassador to China, Robert Lee
7. Fiji's High Commissioner to India, Jaganath Sami
8. Fiji’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Amenatave Yauvoli
9. Fiji's Roving Ambassador to the Pacific, William Toganivalu
10. Fiji's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Jackson Bernard Nato Evans
11. Ambassador-designate to Malaysia, Etuweni Caucau
12. Fiji's High Commissioner to New Zealand and Special Envoy to the Pacific Ratu Inoke Kubuabola
13. Fiji's Ambassador to United States, Ilisoni Vuidreketi