The Government of Fiji is hopeful of a détente with New Zealand and indications are that the countries will move forward with higher levels of political and economic cooperation, Fiji’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said on July 27.
He was in Auckland to facilitate businessman Harish Lodhia on his appointment as Honorary Consul of Fiji at the Tulja Centre in Mt Roskill.
Speaking to Indian Newslink on the side-lines of the ceremony, Mr Kubuabola said that there were a number of challenges that were yet to overcome in fostering bilateral relations, including trade and investment.
He was the first minister of the interim government to be granted a visa to visit New Zealand after Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama ousted the Laisenia Qarase government on December 5, 2006.
“The permission granted by New Zealand to our government to have an Honorary Consul in Auckland is an important milestone in our diplomatic relations. Fiji is keen to have friendly relations with its neighbours and New Zealand is significant in that process. We believe in engagement and not disengagement,” he said.
Return to Democracy
Mr Kubuabola said that Fiji had come a long way since the events of December 2006 and that the path to democracy is being paved with ideals of proper representation of the people and a government that is efficient and service-oriented.
“Our new Constitution, drafted by a five-member Commission, will be rolled out early next year. Fiji will hold its first truly democratic elections in September 2014, with every citizen allowed to vote based on equal right and equal opportunity. We are in a transition phase and need the support of countries around the world,” he said.
According to him, as of July 26, 2012, about 257,000 citizens had enrolled in the electoral system and that the target was to reach 600,000 (of the total population of about 850,000) before the polling date.
As a part of wider public participation in parliamentary democracy, the voting age has been reduced from 21 years to 18 years, he said.
He said Fiji recently joined the Non-Aligned Movement and opened diplomatic missions in Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil and South Korea.
Global support
“We are contacting all member countries of the UN to explain the new electoral system that would be in place, Fiji’s return to democracy and its intention to maintain cordial ties with the rest of the world,” he said.
Acting Head of the Wellington based Fiji High Commission Mere Tora said the Consular office in Auckland would be a focal point to connect people of Fijian origin living in New Zealand’s largest city.
“We are still working out the type of services and information that can be provided by the Honorary Consul,” she said.
Manukau District Court Judge Dr Ajit Singh said that the appointment of Mr Lodhia was appropriate and came at an important period in New Zealand-Fiji history.
Mr Lodhia said that he felt honoured and privileged to represent his home country.
“I bring with me the goodwill, greetings and friendship of the Government and People of Fiji. As a small country in the South Pacific, Fiji and her people look forward for better neighbourly relations, closer economic and commercial ties and improved people-to-people contacts,” he said.
