Ministry welcomes the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Team led by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Raijeli Taga today warmly welcomed the new Minister, Hon. Sakiasi R Ditoka MP at the Ministry headquarters in Suva.

In a briefing with the senior management Team, Dr. Taga provided an update to Hon. Ditoka on the key priorities and plans for the Ministry with an overview of the work undertaken by the respective Policy Bureaus and Divisions, including Fiji’s Diplomatic Missions abroad – aligned to Fiji’s Foreign Policy objectives.
Following that, a traditional welcoming ceremony was accorded to welcome Hon. Ditoka as he officially assumed his new ministerial portfolio. The MFAET Team had the opportunity to meet Hon. Ditoka and Fiji’s Diplomatic Missions also joined in the ceremony through a zoom session.

In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka thanked the Hon. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for entrusting him with the important portfolio and reaffirmed his commitment to deliver the responsibility to the best of his abilities.

Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the leaders, diplomats, and public servants who have laid the foundation for Fiji’s foreign service, recognising that Fiji continues to punch above its weight at the negotiating tables of the world.

Hon. Ditoka said that Fiji has earned its place in the world through discipline, preparation, sacrifice, and quiet resolve, as our representatives spoke with clarity, listened with care, and carried the weight of our nation with dignity.

Further, Hon. Ditoka expressed his sincere gratitude to the staff for the warm welcome and thanked them for their exemplary service to the nation and encouraged them to continue to work as a Team, strive for excellence, and serve with integrity and accountability.

Hon. Ditoka emphasised that we have a duty to represent the best interests of our beloved Fiji to the world and that with focus, discipline, humility, and mutual respect, together the Team can strengthen the Ministry and lift its standing—within government and with our partners overseas.

In conclusion, Hon. Ditoka said he looks forward to working closely with the staff including the diplomatic corps, development partners and stakeholders to deepen Fiji’s regional and global collaboration with focus on building trade cooperation and enduring diplomatic ties – grounded in mutual dialogue, respect, understanding and shared commitment to peace and prosperity.