I am delighted to join the elite group of diplomatic corps in serving the best interests of two countries, which are close to my heart. Fiji and New Zealand are two great countries of the South Pacific region, with friendship and goodwill as common factors. It would be my duty to assist the Government of Fiji in enhancing bilateral relations with New Zealand.
I come from a business family, which understands human values and promotes good and sound communications with communities and markets it serves. Our family, including my parents, brothers and sisters, has a well-established presence in Fiji and New Zealand. This gives me the strength and confidence to fulfil this new responsibility with dignity and honour.
The challenges
Like all countries of the world, Fiji cherishes and preserves its sovereignty and sacred duty as a global citizen. Despite natural disasters such as cyclones and floods and diplomatic winters, the c
ountry has continued to attract people from the region in general and New Zealanders in particular, as a tourist destination. ‘Fiji, the way the world should be,’ used to be the slogan – a slogan that has inspired millions of people across the world and a slogan that is fast witnessing its revival in recent months. I am confident that more and more New Zealanders will visit this Paradise and Pride of the South Pacific to enjoy its warm weather and hospitality of its warm-hearted people.
This is a critical time for Fiji, both in terms of its economic and political challenges and its international obligations as a nation. As a small country in the South Pacific, Fiji and her people look forward for better neighbourly relations, closer economic and commercial ties and improved people-to-people contacts.
This appointment will enable me to learn diplomacy, ways and means of fostering ties between two countries, enhance the value of the historic relationship between Fiji and New Zealand.
I would also have opportunities to interact with businesspersons and the Fijian community.
The above is a modified version of the speeches given by Harish Lodhia at two separate receptions held at a meeting of the Consulate Generals Group in Langham Hotel on July 19, 2012 and at the Tulja Centre in Mt Roskill to facilitate him on his appointment as Honorary Consul for Fiji based in Auckland on July 25, 2012.
Photo
1.Fiji’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola with Harish Lodhia and National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi at the Reception held in Auckland on July 25, 2012
2.A view of the guests at the Reception held in Auckland on July 25, 2012. In the foreground are (from left) Labour MPs Phil Goff & Dr Rajen Prasad and Honorary Consul for Malta Patricia Thake
