Democracy flourishes at its best where there is trusting relationships between Parliament, Parliamentarians and citizens.

Those were the words of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Akbar Khan while visiting our Parliament last Sunday.

He met with the Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni and was given a presentation on the initiatives by the Fijian Parliament in engaging with the citizens of Fiji and also the progress of the projects that were funded by the CPA.

Mr Khan was delighted to hear some of the initiatives like the outreach programmes like the Meet the Speaker and Parliament Bus programmes, the gender working group in Parliament and engagement with youth and women empowerment programmes.

“I’m really delighted to have come here and hear some excellent initiatives which are being run by the Fijian Parliament and I encourage this to continue,” Mr Khan said.

“I’m confident under the leadership of the Honourable Speaker and with her parliamentarians, are making enormous contributions towards democracy here in Fiji.”

The Secretary-General confirmed that he has had a very constructive discussion with the Speaker about how the CPA and how it can continue to strengthen its support towards the Fijian Parliament.

Dr Luveni was thankful for the opportunity to meet with the Secretary-General and presented to him the initiatives of our Parliament.

The Secretary-General later visited the Parliament Discovery Centre and the Parliament Chamber.

He also met with the deputy Speaker Ruveni Nadalo, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate, Leader of the National Federation Party in Parliament Biman Prasad and the British High Commissioner to Fiji Melanie Hopkins.

Source: Parliament of Fiji

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