The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Partnership with the Australian High Commission conducted a Media and Strategic Communications Essentials Training at Suvavou House on Tuesday 16th July.
The High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji, His Excellency John Feakes welcomed the Chief Guest to the Media and Communication Competency Training which was officially opened by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General (Retired) Ioane Naivalurua.
In delivering his opening speech Maj. Gen (Retd) Naivalurua stated that it gave him great pleasure to welcome the participants to the inaugural three (3) days training on media and strategic Communications essentials. “This event is important for Foreign Affairs and of cause for Government and it is in line with our intent at Foreign Affairs, our vision is simply to “Building a better Fiji through Excellence in Foreign Services’. In Fiji’s window to the world, we at the ministry recognize the significant role media plays and provides an open platform to advance public diplomacy, said Maj. Gen. (Retd) Naivalurua.
“We have extended invitation to you all to be here as key partners in conducting diplomacy and managing relations. It’s not only Foreign Affairs does, but we all do, why, because we are all Ambassadors, we promote Fiji where ever we are,” Maj. Gen (Retd) Naivalurua said. He added whether it will be a Private Visit or an official one, we promote Fiji and we advance Fiji’s Interest wherever we go.
Maj. Gen (Retd) Naivalurua also said that the Social media and the Internet has become a powerful tool to disseminate information to local and international audiences as such it was important to know the strategies of managing the opportunities and risks that arise with the use of modern media.
“The training is designed to be interactive so I encourage all of you participants to maximise this learning opportunity to build expertise on media and communications, tools that are relevant for diplomacy on this digital error. I’ll be interested in learning about the outcome of the three days training and ways in which it resists your respective agencies enthusing it, communications and strategies.
Maj. Gen (Retd) Naivalurua also mentioned that this event would not be possible without the support of my good friend the High Commissioner, His Excellency John Feakes.
Lastly Maj. Gen (Retd) Naivalurua express his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Australian government for their tremendous support and commitment towards enhancing double toleration and friendship that continues to take Fiji – Australia collaboration to greater heights.
The Media and Strategic Communications Essentials Training will end on Thursday 18th July 2019.
