“Peace must come first within Fiji before we extend it to the Pacific.”
This was the message from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu as he reacted to the Foreign Policy White Paper presented by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a parliamentary session.
Seruiratu reminded the Parliament and the nation about the repercussions that past coups had on Fiji’s trade relationships, cautioning the Prime Minister that traditional trading partners had experienced challenges with Fiji during the turmoil of 1987 and 2000, leading Fiji to seek trade opportunities in the north.
“I trust you are fully aware of the treatment we received during our internal conflicts,” he stated.
He emphasized the significance of establishing peace within Fiji, noting that while the concept of an “Ocean of Peace” is vital, it cannot be truly realized without addressing domestic issues first. “We are facing governance challenges, and I urge the Prime Minister to take responsibility for the matters highlighted in the media since they play a critical role in fostering the Ocean of Peace and ensuring long-term regional security free from outside interference,” he said.
Seruiratu also pointed out that the White Paper suggests there should be no notable distinction between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. However, he argued that geography, history, and values inevitably dictate the structure and priorities of Fiji’s bilateral relationships.
“Our ties with fellow members of the Pacific Islands Forum are fundamentally different from those with countries outside of the Pacific,” he added.