A consultation forum designed to boost Fiji’s foreign policy will also see a shift in ideas for engaging with the international community.
This morning (Wednesday) Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama opened the 2012 Heads of Missions Consultations which will see all of Fiji’s heads of missions from all its foreign based missions coming together to enhance Fiji’s foreign policy.
Fiji’s permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Peter Thomson said that while the three day event will involve strategising the policies set by Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it also provides a chance for the diplomats to be updated on Fiji’s progress.
“It’s also about us being informed back here in Fiji about what’s happening in terms of Fiji’s strategic framework for change, what’s happening with Fiji’s roadmap and getting up to date briefings. Over the next 3 days we will be meeting with permanent secretaries to give us these updates, the police commissioner, the governor of the RBF (Reserve Bank of Fiji) etc. We’ll leave Fiji very much up to date on what’s going on in Fiji”, Ambassador Thomson said.
“We’re very encouraged to hear first hand from him (Prime Minister Bainimarama) about the progress being made on Fiji’s roadmap. Obviously lifting of the PER was big news overseas, good positive news for Fiji but this recent statement by the Prime Minister announcing that by the end of this month the consultations on the constitution will commence, is very encouraging news for us in the international context” he added.
Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the meet is designed to provide government and these heads of missions the opportunity to look at foreign policy objectives. It will also provide a forum for the country’s envoys that represent Fiji in our 14 diplomatic missions, to also discuss common concerns, major government programmes and developments.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola urged the country’s envoys to constantly remain prepared for any challenge when looking at expanding Fiji’s foreign diplomacy in the different countries they serve in.
“As we look to the years ahead, we will be challenged as we prepare for the General Elections in 2014,” Ratu Inoke told heads of missions.
“You are Fiji’s voice in the global community, echoing Government’s efforts to expand its foreign policy in new and bold directions, while securing the future of the country.”
The large number of participants at this forum also reflects Fiji’s position on the international stage following the opening of three new diplomatic missions in Asia, Latin America and the African continent last year. Government announced recently the opening of two new missions later this year in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
“There is recognition that not just Fiji but the Pacific Island countries are starting to stand up in the international community. We’ve been forced to by various circumstances one of which is climate change and sea level rise, to be much more vocal, and ‘aspirational’ in our work in the international community”, Ambassador Thomson said.
In recent years, Fiji’s foreign policy has evolved beyond the traditional responsibilities of promoting Fiji’s interests in the international arena and fulfilling international obligations.
Through its ‘Look North Policy’, the Fijian government has committed to strengthening relations with old friends and establishing new relations with countries that recognise and understand Fiji’s reform agenda.
FIJI PM CALLS ON ENVOYS TO ENHANCE FIJI’S FOREIGN POLICY
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama this morning encouraged Fiji’s Heads of Missions (HOM’s) based in diplomatic missions worldwide to enhance Fiji’s foreign policy worldwide.
The Prime Minister urged Fiji’s envoys to look at opportunities to strengthen the country’s foreign agenda at the opening of the 2012 Heads of Missions Consultations.
“With continued expansion, we must also enrich Fiji’s investment climate and rejuvenate private sector participation. In your deliberations this week, I encourage all of you to create innovative strategies that will enhance our engagement with the international community in a manner that is most effective and efficient”, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the meet is designed to provide government and these heads of missions the opportunity to look at foreign policy objectives. It will also provide a forum for the country’s envoys that represent Fiji in our 14 diplomatic missions, to also discuss common concerns, major government programmes and developments.
“As Fiji continues to foster positive engagement and develop bilateral relationships, we must uphold the fundamentals of our key foreign policy interests. While maintaining our territorial integrity, we will rely on the transparency achieved through open dialogue to pursue progressive and effective partnerships”, Prime Minister told members of both the Fiji and foreign diplomatic corps, government officials and those from the private sector at this morning’s event.
Following this morning’s opening function, the heads of missions paid a courtesy call to His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at Government House.
3 comments:
Bonne Tenue?
Serious intent requires serious dress. Tenue negligee? There are at least five definitions of military attire from the French viewpoint. International diplomacy was customarily conducted in the French language and dress requirements generally remain. Both Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara were sartorially-correct in whatever milieu they found themselves.
Mostly itaukei's in the photo!!
Where are the Indians ??
When I look at Kubuabola and Isikeli Mataitoga in the front row, I say some further clean up is needed.
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