A delegation from the Fijian Parliament, led by Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, participated in the Fiji Day celebrations held at the Fiji House last night.
The event was attended by the Fijian community in Geneva, including several Fijian rugby players and their families who traveled from France.
Speaker Lalabalavu expressed gratitude to Luke Daunivalu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Fiji to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, for organizing the event that brought together Fijian families and friends to celebrate this significant day.
Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, who was also part of the delegation, shared thoughts on the importance of fostering a united and progressive Fiji, encouraging the diaspora to put differences aside and promote peaceful coexistence.
She highlighted the recent introduction of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 in Parliament, emphasizing the government’s next steps towards its passage.
Bainivalu encouraged attendees to continue strengthening existing relationships and repair broken ones during the Fiji Day commemoration.
A ‘talanoa’ session took place with the diaspora before the cutting of the Fiji Day cake.
The delegation is currently in Geneva for the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, which began with registrations yesterday. The Speaker is scheduled to deliver his address later this week, while the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, will chair a meeting regarding Small Islands Developing States on Monday during the Assembly’s proceedings.