It is my hope and prayer that we work together to build a stronger nation, with social cohesion, and unity of purpose.
This has been highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while responding to the President’s speech while opening Parliament.
Rabuka says the two major ethnic communities in Fiji have mostly lived in harmony together.
He says the President rued the unfortunate fact that some unscrupulous politicians continue to instigate mistrust among the communities for their own political ends and this has led to the perception of communal difference within our society.
Rabuka says the President had pleaded with the MPs to continue to promote harmony and embrace diversity in the nation.
He says he does not blame any MP who might have looked his way when the President had said these words.
Rabuka says while he cannot change his past, he can contribute to the joint effort to change the future of this country and he will.
The Prime Minister says the President, in his opening address reminded the MPs to focus on their common purpose and not on their differences.
He further says the views of all members of the community are now being heard through consultations for the National Development Plan and these meaningful consultation and dialogue will lead to better outcomes, foster ownership, inclusiveness and social cohesion.
Rabuka says the vision for united and cohesive Fiji is dovetailed very well with the vision of the ocean of peace for the Pacific.
The Prime Minister says Fiji’s foreign policy is guided by three key pillars which focuses on Fiji’s sovereignty, security and prosperity.
He further says they are currently in the process of developing a framework for a foreign policy through a white paper which will clearly define the country’s identity and values while setting a new direction in expressing our goals, priorities and ambition.
The Prime Minister says the intent is to better position Fiji in its role in the region and globally with clarity and the responsibility as a member of the Blue Pacific continent.
Rabuka also says the government is in consultation with the New Zealand government to review the Duavata partnership following the election of the new government late last year.
He says Fiji is also building stronger ties and corporation with development partners including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.
He also says as part of their commitment to good governance and empowerment of local communities, they will work towards the review of the Banaban Settlement Act and are also trying to hold elections for the Rabi Island Council, complete the naturalisation processes for Rabi and Kioa islanders and at the same time, they will urgently address the socio-economic needs of the Melanesian vasu i-Taukei communities.
He also says their main environmental concern is how waste and pollution is managed which is impacting marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
Rabuka says they will also review strategies to reduce dumping and littering.
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