Ministry promotes Sports Diplomacy

Sports diplomacy is integral to strengthening of the global relations and collaborations as well as uniquely showcasing and shaping a countries identity and values.

This was the key message highlighted during the farewell program accorded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Fiji Basketball Team who are representing Fiji at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand from November 26 to December 1, 2018.

While meeting the Fiji Basketball Team later this week at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General (Ret’d) Ioane Naivalurua who is also the president of the Fiji Amateur Basketball Federation conveyed his best wishes to the team and also commended them for their commitment to prepare for the challenge. He emphasized that sports is an important area for advancing Fiji’s socioeconomic collaboration and interests abroad.

Fiji Basketball team manager, Mr Benedito Qumi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for recognizing their efforts and the team is positive about achieving victory.

“I would like to thank the team here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their appreciation and support provided. We are headed for another level of competition and indeed looking forward to making our presence felt in the tournament. We have been training for the last 6 months and we are looking forward to make it to the world qualifiers in 2020,�? Mr Qumi said.