Fiji's former Ambassador to Japan and Ethiopia paid a courtesy call to the Acting Commissioner of Police
Fiji's former Ambassador to Japan, Mr Isikeli Mataitoga and former Ambassador to Ethiopia Mr Mosese Tikoitoga paid a courtesy call to the Acting Commissioner of Police at Police Headquarters earlier this week where discussions revolved on the proposed Foreign Services Institute(FSI).
The FSI is aimed at consolidating the delivery of foreign policy priorities on all fronts of Government, and with the Fiji Police Force a major contributor to Fiji's international relations efforts, the meeting was an opportunity to pave the way for discussions on strengthening current international relations work of the organization.
Mr Mataitoga acknowledged and commended the Fiji Police Force on its work of engaging regional and international partners in various police to police cooperation efforts.
He added that efforts pursued by the FPF through the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) in assisting regional law enforcement is commendable, however at the same time encouraged the Acting Commissioner to further strengthen and expand international relations with traditional and non-traditional partners.
“The Honourable Prime Minister wants a total delivery of foreign policy priorities on all fronts of Government where we can anticipate those movements, and we are meeting you today as a major participant in international relations.
Once we set up the Institute, we can meet regularly to discuss, identify and address constraints as we are small and must be area specific, resourcing in our planning to make sure we are on par with our immediate partners that are keen to assist”, said Mr Mataitoga.
Mr Tikoitoga said consolidating international relations efforts through the proposed FIS would assist with training for police officers of all ranks.
“The work conducted by Police officers is diplomatic on some level under a term known as the strategic constable, whether it be on peacekeeping missions or providing security details for visiting dignitaries is in a way diplomatic work.
With modern technology the work conducted by police officers is always under scrutiny and as leaders we can’t be constantly providing cover for them, and that’s where diplomacy training is important”.
Mr Tikoitoga added, “Police officers are strategic individuals, your actions affect our Government, investments and image and that is where the FIS can work with the FPF to package itself and incorporate diplomacy training into your curriculum”.
The Fiji Police Force under the PICP and the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) and Pacific Police Training Advisory Group has assisted regional countries in specialized fields of policing through police to police exchange programmes.
Basic Recruits training placements is also given to regional Pacific island countries, and currently officers from the Tuvalu and Nauru Police Services are undergoing the 3 month BRC training at the Fiji Police Academy.
The meeting was also attended by Ms Vakaoca Kedrayate, Foreign Service Officer, Director International Relations SSP Ulaiasi Ravula, Deputy Director International Relations SP Ilaitia Caginavanua and PSO ASP Jaoji Besetimoala.
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