Foreign Affairs officers have been urged to carry out their foreign services with patriotism.

While speaking to participants of the Protocol, High Level Visits Planning and VIP Drivers training held in Suva yesterday, Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu says participants should be diligent and honest while carrying out their duties.

Seruiratu reminded the participants they must love their country and have the willingness to serve.

“In this diplomacy that you are going to be involved in, I hope that it is something that comes out of your heart. Not just by virtue of your appointment but because you love your country and you have the willingness to serve and defend your country.”

Seruiratu says international countries are changing rapidly and Fiji has to adapt to these changes.

“The world is changing and it has changed a lot over the year and there are new driver for change, so Fiji to be relevant within the context of the changing environment, we have to seize, we have to be nibble enough to seize our opportunities.”

Seruiratu adds globalization is a driver for change.

The protocol training is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission and will involve key agencies that are heavily involved in planning and facilitating high level and state visits.