A delegation from the Indonesian Parliament recently met with the Speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs to enhance bilateral relations. This official visit followed a previous bilateral meeting between parliament members from both nations during the second Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) held in July in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Embassy in Suva noted that twelve Pacific island nations convened in Jakarta to discuss strategies for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in the Pacific region. Ratu Naiqama expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s effective hosting of the IPPP, where he led the Fijian parliamentary delegation.
Mohammad Muraz, head of the Indonesian Parliamentary delegation, emphasized that strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation in various areas could serve as a foundation for deeper relations. He conveyed a desire to explore concrete actions that Fiji and Indonesia could undertake together.
Muraz highlighted the shared interests of Indonesia and Fiji concerning the Pacific Ocean and expressed admiration for the Ocean of Peace vision introduced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He indicated a desire to understand this vision better to see how it could align with Indonesia’s objectives in the Pacific.
The Indonesian delegation was joined by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora, and attended a parliamentary session in Fiji.