The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji (MFA) will convene Fiji’s Heads of Missions (HOMs) Consultation in Suva from Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th December 2024.
The first of such meeting brings together Fiji’s Heads of Missions from around the world to deliberate on Fiji’s national priorities following the recent launch of the National Development Plan, Foreign Policy White Paper and the ongoing National Defence and SecurityStrategy, and sector plans across the entire government system to outline the way forward including to ensuring the full translation of strategic goals to delivery.
In so doing the MFA aims to deepen Fiji’s external engagements while maximising their contributions to Fiji’s national development and the livelihood of Fijians.
The meeting will be opened by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka on Wednesday 18thDecember 2024. The Heads of Missions will have the opportunity to hear directly from the Hon. Prime Minister his vision and expectations on our Missions.
The meeting marks a significant step undertaken by the Coalition Government to coordinate inter-regional and mission cooperation and resource maximisation at bilateral and multilateral levels and share knowledge and practices to optimize deliveries. This consultation is an avenue for the thirteen (13) Heads of Missions to link strategic discussions tomission operations thus expanding their contributions to Fiji’s national development and improving the livelihood of Fijians.
The consultation looks at Fiji’s foreign relation within the whole of Government strategy. The participation of the other permanent secretaries, senior officials of international and regional organisations is intended to incorporate partner perspectives thus enhancing cooperation.
They will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions covering a wide-range of issues in line with Fiji’s national interests, and foreign policy objectives with emphasis on optimising return on investment.
Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, Fiji’s Foreign Policy White-Paper, and Fiji’s National Security Strategy (NSS) provide the platform for discussions, ensuring alignment with Fiji’s long-term development goals.
The Heads of Missions will also deliberate on Fiji’s recently completed first manual for diplomats, to guide diplomatic practice and mission functions.
Further, the consultation seeks to enhance coordination between Fiji’s diplomatic missions and host countries, as well as the countries of accreditation, and stakeholders to open opportunities. It aims to develop practical strategies to bolster Fiji’s engagements between foreign and local investors and Fijian diaspora engagements from remittances to investments.
At the Mission level, the three-day dialogue will serve as a platform to address operational matters and address concerns Missions may have regarding the functioning of their respective missions.
In a special ceremony today, the Heads of Missions presented a traditional sevusevu to the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at the State House in Suva.
The Heads of Missions participating in the three (3)-day consultations are as follows:
1. Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York, United States
2. Fiji’s Permanent to the United Nations and Other International Organisations, Geneva, Switzerland
3. Fiji High Commission in Canberra, Australia
4. Fiji High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand
5. Fiji High Commission in London, United Kingdom
6. Fiji High Commission in New Delhi, India
7. Fiji High Commission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
8. Fiji Embassy in Washington D.C, United States
9. Fiji High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
10. Fiji Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia
11. Fiji’s Embassy in Beijing, People’s Republic of China
12. Fiji’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
13. Fiji’s Roving Ambassador at the Headquarters, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva.
The 3-day meeting will be held at the iTaukei Trust Fund Board Talanoa Lounge, located next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva.