The government has enormous expectations that all Ministries, including the Heads of Missions will lift their game to meet objectives, with the civil service reforms to be expedited next year.

Speaking to Heads of Missions in Suva this morning, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says it is critical that they are all fully aware of what’s happening in all ministries.

Bainimarama says the diplomats and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should maintain a close relationship and be aware of key issues.

“Our strategic move to reallocate our South African mission to Ethiopia and to expand our Mission in UAE fits in with the overall strategy. We must continue to draw alliances with the European Union, India and UAE to take advantage of their respective lead roles in different areas that will be of strategic importance to us. We of course need to maintain our relationships with other key partners such as China. Our art of diplomacy and indeed foreign policy must not mean that we are too reliant on any one or two countries, always.”

Bainimarama adds, Fiji has a policy of being ‘friends to all’ and must always ensure that it maintains its dignity and its sovereignty as an independent nation.

This is the 5th Heads of Missions consultation this year.