“Peace must begin within Fiji before we can extend it to the Pacific,” said Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu in his response to a ministerial statement from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka concerning the recently introduced Foreign Policy White Paper.
Seruiratu reminded Parliament and the nation about the adverse effects on trade following Fiji’s coups, cautioning the Prime Minister about the historical challenges with traditional trading partners during the crises of 1987 and 2000, which led Fiji to seek trade with northern countries.
“I know you are aware of how we were treated during our internal issues,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of addressing governance problems within Fiji, indicating that the concept of an “Ocean of Peace” cannot be offered without first achieving stability internally. He urged the Prime Minister to take responsibility for the ongoing issues reported in the media, as these challenges significantly impact both regional security and the broader idea of peace without external interference.
Seruiratu pointed out that the Foreign Policy White Paper argues there should be no essential difference between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. However, he noted that geography, history, and shared values shape the nature and priorities of Fiji’s bilateral relationships, highlighting that engagements with members of the Pacific Islands Forum differ from those with countries beyond the region.