Nurturing the Qualities of an Efficient Diplomat

The key to becoming an efficient and excellent diplomat requires great commitment and leadership to enhance global collaboration and prosperity. This was the message conveyed by the Former Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau while speaking to Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff on the essence of good diplomacy.

A presentation made by Mr Nailatikau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, yesterday was organised as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide capacity building and empowerment for the staff to comprehensively understand and appreciate the significance of diplomacy.

With his vast experience in the past as being the minister for foreign affairs and having served abroad as the Fijian ambassador, Mr Nailatikau comes with wealth of knowledge and expertise in diplomacy and international relations.

Mr Nailatikau said the role of a diplomat comes with great trust and recognition and it must be delivered with absolute integrity and honesty. He said that developing professionalism ethics and having appreciation and respect for all cultures and communities is also one of the key qualities of being a responsible diplomat and he or she must also have a robust understanding of international affairs as well as of their own country. And that they must be committed to consistently broaden their knowledge to understand and respond with the changing socioeconomic global landscape.

He also emphasized that great diplomats demonstrate courage and good discipline in terms of being resilient when under pressure, they dedicate their lives to serve their nation, they are also reliable, hardworking and well mannered.

The former Fijian ambassador also praised Fiji for having achieved the unprecedented level of success and accomplishments in the foreign services and international relations that has put Fiji on a higher global profile than ever before.