Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has called on Fiji’s diplomats to assist in promoting the country’s foreign policy based on ideals of fairness and friendship and the domestic policy founded on transparency, accountability and good governance.
He said Fiji’s foreign policy in the ensuing years would focus on clarifying the mission of his government and country towards greater achievement in all aspects of the economy.
“We must pursue a course similar to that charted in 2006 (when he took over the reins of the government following a coup), but with a higher level of achievement. In the face of scepticism and critics, the government has remained steadfast in its efforts to build a better, peaceful and prosperous Fiji,” he said, addressing the opening session of a conference of heads of diplomatic missions of Fiji worldwide.
The three-day meeting, held in Holiday Inn in the Fijian capital of Suva from February 15, outlined the mission and vision of the government and the steps being taken to address a number of issues.
Determined stand
Mr Bainimarama was at his diplomatic best when he called upon his envoys to appraise their host governments of the ground realities in Fiji but did not flinch from his determination to enact political and economic reforms.
“We will be unwavering in pursuit of our foreign policy agenda, while assisting our neighbours and promoting growth of the whole region,” he said.
He said the recent visit of Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to Fiji demonstrated Fiji’s important role in the international community as a hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
He had a ‘veiled’ swipe at New Zealand and Australia in his speech.
“Although isolated by some of our neighbours for years, Fiji continues to find camaraderie among nations that understand our economic, social, and political goals. As we carry on this engagement worldwide, great attention will be directed to you (Ambassadors and Heads of Missions in the Fiji Diplomatic Service) to lead this process for us,” he said.
New direction
Mr Bainimarama warned that his government would monitor and scrutinise the activities of all diplomatic missions to ensure that they followed the strategies and programmes of the government.
“We will streamline performance management of the missions,” he said.
Emphasising the critical role of Fijian diplomats in their places of posting, Mr Bainimarama said that since taking over in December 2006, the government had steered the country’s foreign policy towards new and bold directions.
“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,” he said.
He said the challenge of enhancing international relations through bilateral and multilateral means was enshrined in the ‘People’s Charter for Change.’
Expanding relations
“To date, Fiji has established diplomatic relations with 126 countries and is on the path to formalising diplomatic relations with all Member States of the UN,” he said and added that Fiji opened new missions in Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa last year.
“I look forward to opening our two new Missions in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates in 2012,” he said.
Mr Bainimarama said that Fiji’s participation in regional organisations exemplified its dedication to effective partnership and engagement.
“In addition to global partnerships, we support growth among our Pacific neighbours through the membership in Non-Aligned Movement and chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. With new ties, it is critical that current and future ventures complement Government’s ‘Look North Policy’ and intent to engage non-traditional partners,” he said.
Election 2014
Mr Bainimarama claimed that the removal of the ‘Public Emergency Regulation’ on January 7, 2012 signalled the country’s preparation for the ‘Strategic Framework for Change,’ public consultation for which began last fortnight.
“This is a testimony to Government’s resolve for political stability and progress and our firm commitment to just governance, open dialogue and truly democratic elections in 2014,” he said.
“I cannot overemphasize the need for us to provide the leadership qualities that guarantee the highest level of confidence in the Government system. We must demonstrate our genuine commitment to advance the country towards a truly sustainable democracy in 2014,” Mr Bainimarama said.
Photo: Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (centre) with Fiji’s diplomats in Suva on February 15, 2012
