A delegation from the Indonesian Parliament recently visited Fiji to meet with Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, along with members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. This visit aimed to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Suva, this visit was a continuation of discussions that took place during the second Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) held in Indonesia in July. The IPPP brought together representatives from twelve Pacific island nations to explore ways to promote mutual understanding, respect, and concrete collaborative efforts within the Pacific region.
Ratu Naiqama praised Indonesia for successfully hosting the IPPP, which he led as part of the Fijian parliamentary delegation. Mohammad Muraz, head of the Indonesian parliamentary delegation, emphasized that strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation across various sectors could serve as a foundation for deeper relations.
Muraz expressed his hopes for a dialogue on actionable steps that Fiji and Indonesia could take together. He noted that both nations share the Pacific Ocean and common interests related to it, appreciating Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s vision of the “Ocean of Peace” and demonstrating interest in understanding how it aligns with Indonesia’s Pacific strategies.
The Indonesian delegation was also accompanied by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora, and observed a parliamentary session during their visit.