A delegation from the Indonesian Parliament recently met with Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, along with members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. This meeting aimed to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Suva, this visit followed up on discussions held during the second Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) that took place in July in Indonesia. The event convened representatives from twelve Pacific island countries to explore ways to promote mutual understanding, respect, and tangible cooperation within the region.
Ratu Naiqama expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s successful hosting of the IPPP, where he led the Fijian parliamentary delegation. Mohammad Muraz, the head of the Indonesian delegation, emphasized that enhancing inter-parliamentary collaboration in various areas could serve as a foundation for strengthening parliamentary ties.
He stated, “I hope we can discuss what concrete steps can be undertaken by Fiji and Indonesia. Both nations share the same Pacific Ocean and common interests related to it. Indonesia values the Ocean of Peace vision introduced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and we wish to learn more about how this vision aligns with Indonesia’s role in the Pacific.”
The Indonesian lawmakers were accompanied by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora, and participated in a sit-in during the parliamentary session on Tuesday.