Minister Ditoka hits back at Koya’s “merry-go-round” claim

The Government is not taking Fijians on a merry-go-round.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka rejected claims by Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya that the Government was not driving any change but only taking Fijians in circles.

“It is a clever line, but clever lines are not always true,” Mr Ditoka said.

Mr Ditoka said the previous government had taken Fiji down a “slippery slope”, while the Coalition Government was now working to restore the country’s international voice and reopen diplomatic doors.

“Our missions abroad are not ornaments; they are economic outposts working each day to secure technical partnerships, strengthen industries, access new markets, and provide scholarships and opportunities for young people,” he said.

He highlighted recent diplomatic developments, including the reopening of Fiji’s embassy in Brussels and the planned reopening of the mission in Seoul, Republic of Korea, which had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening of the Brussels embassy was approved by Cabinet in November 2025 as part of a strategic plan to rebuild Fiji’s diplomatic presence in Europe.

Mr Ditoka said the Government was also sharpening its focus on the Pacific through a “Pacific family first” approach to foreign policy amid global economic volatility and rising geopolitical tensions.

He said the Government’s $51 million allocation last year — a 16 per cent increase — contributed to Fiji being removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, an achievement he credited to multi-sector collaboration and a commitment to transparency.

“The work of our diplomats must yield a return on investment for the benefit of our taxpayers,” he said.

Mr Ditoka added that Fijians now enjoyed greater freedom of speech, stronger room for criticism and renewed confidence from international partners.

“Fiji is not on a merry-go-round. It is regaining its bearings and recovering its voice,” he said.