COMMODORE JV BAINIMARAMA, CF(MIL), OST.J, MSD, JSSC, PSC, PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR FINANCE, STRATEGIC PLANNING, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STATISTICS, PUBLIC SERVICE, PEOPLES CHARTER FOR CHANGE AND PROGRESS, INFORMATION, I-TAUKEI AFFAIRS, PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT, SUGAR INDUSTRY, LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES, ADDRESS AT THE FAREWELL DINNER FOR HEADS OF MISSIONS HOSTED BY THE PRIME MINISTER, CONVENTION CENTRE FRI. 17TH FEB., 2012, LAMI, 1930 HOURS Honourable Cabinet Ministers; Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corp; Fiji's Heads of Missions; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. Good evening and welcome to you all. I wish to first take this opportunity to thank you for availing yourselves to be present this evening. At the outset, I must commend the efforts of the Minister and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, over the successful Heads of Missions Consultations held, over the last three days. Thank you and well done.We all have an important role to play in shaping Fiji's global image. Our role has evolved beyond the traditional responsibilities of promoting Fiji's interests in the international arena and fulfilling our obligations to Conventions. In this regard, we must be committed to strengthening relations with old friends but not be bound so as to be subordinate to them. We must always be mindful of our sovereignty and seek to engage on equal terms. We must also continue to establish new relations with countries that ...