Ministry Convenes Fiji’s Diplomatic Heads of Missions Meeting

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) convened a meeting with the Fiji’s Diplomatic Heads of Missions (HOMs) yesterday– which is the first virtual monthly meetings held for this year.

The meeting was officiated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka and attended by the senior management team at the Ministry Headquarters and Heads of Missions from abroad.

It was an opportunity for the Heads of Missions to update on their strategic priorities and plans for this year with emphasis on strengthening the Ministry’s internal coordination and external engagements for optimal results. Updates included the key bilateral, multilateral and regional engagements, the Missions will undertake to advance Fiji’s trade cooperation, economic development, diaspora engagements, people to people ties and activities aligned to Fiji’s Foreign Policy goals.
In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka said that diplomacy must remain anchored in Fiji’s national interests, protecting our sovereignty, advancing our economic well-being, strengthening our partnerships and ensuring that Fiji’s voice continues to be heard with respect and credibility.

Hon. Ditoka said such regular briefings are therefore critical, as it helps us to understand how Fiji is perceived and where shifts in strategic landscape may be emerging and that requires clarity of purpose and steadiness of direction.

Further, Hon. Ditoka said Fiji’s Diplomatic Missions have an important responsibility, as they represent Fiji in their respective host countries and the engagements undertaken shapes the image of our country.

In conclusion, Hon. Ditoka said he looks forward to working together with Fiji’s Diplomatic Missions in providing a strategic direction, and to ensure that our foreign policy and external trade efforts remain coherent, disciplined and aligned with Fiji’s national priorities – stating that such professional exchanges among the Team must be grounded in our shared duty to serve the best interests of our nation.

The Heads of Missions congratulated and welcomed Hon. Ditoka as he assumed his new ministerial portfolio this week and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to advance Fiji’s interests and representation across the globe.