Ditoka defends Fiji’s diplomatic missions, says performance is measured.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka has defended Fiji’s overseas diplomatic missions, rejecting suggestions that the country’s diplomats are primarily engaged in receptions and public appearances.
In a social media statement, Mr Ditoka said Fiji’s diplomatic representation must deliver value for taxpayers, while acknowledging the need for fiscal responsibility.
He said the Government had systems in place to measure the performance of Fiji’s Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomatic missions.
“KPIs are very much part of that conversation,” Mr Ditoka said.
“Our missions have internal targets they are required to meet within the Ministry, as well as performance targets that are reported through to the Ministry of National Planning.”
He said the performance of Fiji’s missions would be assessed against those targets, with the Government prepared to strengthen performance where necessary and adjust the country’s diplomatic footprint where required.
Mr Ditoka said diplomacy should not be judged simply by the number of photographs, receptions or public statements generated by Fiji’s representatives overseas.
He said Fiji’s missions played an important role in opening doors for trade and investment, development partnerships, political and security ties, climate and oceans priorities, education, labour mobility and consular support.
“Some results are visible immediately, others only after months or years of quiet engagement,” he said.
Mr Ditoka also defended the attendance of President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the United Nations General Assembly, saying the President, as Fiji’s Head of State, had an important role in representing the country internationally.
He said the President would deliver Fiji’s national statement at the UN General Assembly, while Mr Ditoka would attend as Foreign Affairs Minister to handle bilateral meetings and negotiations.
He said Fiji’s Permanent Representative, diplomats and other officials would also support the delegation.
The President is also expected to visit Fiji’s Permanent Mission in New York and the country’s Embassy in Washington to meet staff.
Mr Ditoka said the Government was also focused on strengthening Fiji’s professional foreign service through a new Diplomatic Academy within the Public Service Commission’s FLIPS framework.
He said the academy was being developed alongside established diplomatic academies overseas to provide Fiji’s young diplomats with exposure to other foreign services.
“There’s more work to do — I make no pretence otherwise,” he said.
“But I won’t accept the caricature that our diplomats are simply overseas attending receptions at taxpayers’ expense.”
Mr Ditoka said Fiji was not a wealthy country and its overseas representation needed to remain within its means.
“Taxpayers deserve value for it,” he said, while stressing that fiscal responsibility should not come at the expense of the dignity of Fiji’s national offices.
“There’s a balance between economy and dignity,” he said.
