𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜

Delivering remarks during Session 2 of the inaugural Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA) General Assembly on the theme, “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Sustaining Dialogue When Official Channels Are Constrained,” Hon. Seruiratu emphasised that parliamentary engagement serves as a vital complement to traditional diplomacy, enabling elected representatives to sustain dialogue, foster mutual respect, and build bridges across differences.

He further stated that parliamentarians bring the voices and aspirations of the people they serve into international discussions, giving parliamentary diplomacy a distinctly human and democratic dimension.

“Parliamentary diplomacy is not an alternative to traditional diplomacy, nor does it seek to replace the responsibilities of governments and foreign ministries. Rather, it serves as a complementary avenue of engagement, strengthening relations, promoting understanding, and preserving channels of communication that might otherwise diminish during periods of tension,” Hon. Seruiratu said.

Reflecting on the Pacific context, Hon. Seruiratu emphasised that regional relations must be nurtured not only between governments, but also between parliaments and parliamentarians. He said the Pacific’s shared ocean, histories, cultural connections, and common aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development make sustained dialogue essential to the region’s collective future.

He also highlighted Fiji’s parliamentary experience, including the role of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in scrutinising international treaties and conventions, and the importance of public participation through submissions and consultations. Hon. Seruiratu said such processes ensure that international commitments are examined through democratic accountability and the public interest.

The Leader of the Opposition further stressed the need for parliamentary diplomacy to be inclusive and representative, recognising the important contributions of women, young parliamentarians, government and opposition members, and communities whose voices are not always sufficiently heard in regional and international discussions.

He welcomed the establishment of PIPA as a timely and significant platform for Pacific legislatures to strengthen co-operation, exchange experiences, and sustain dialogue on matters of common concern.

“PIPA should aspire to become more than a forum for discussion. It should become a community of co-operation, learning, and partnership among Pacific legislatures.”

Hon. Seruiratu concluded by urging Pacific parliamentarians to ensure that constructive engagement remains open, even during difficult political circumstances, and that parliamentary dialogue continues to support trust, understanding, and partnership across the region.