Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, will represent Fiji at the upcoming 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) scheduled to take place in New Delhi from January 15 to 17, 2026.
Qereqeretabua steps in for Speaker Filimone Jitoko, who unfortunately cannot attend the event due to prior commitments despite being invited by Shri Om Birla, the Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha. The Deputy Speaker will be accompanied by Deputy Secretary-General Abele Sakulu and Manager Tables Saleshni Prasad.
The CSPOC serves as a platform for parliamentary leaders from Commonwealth nations to come together, with the aim of strengthening democratic governance, fostering cooperation, and reinforcing bilateral ties. This event is particularly significant for enhancing the relationship between Fiji and India.
Fiji’s involvement highlights the nation’s dedication to Commonwealth engagement and its commitment to collaborative parliamentary practices. The Fijian Parliament extends its gratitude to the Government of India for funding the delegation’s travel expenses.
The conference will address crucial themes such as fairness and impartiality in parliamentary leadership, as well as the sharing of knowledge on parliamentary democracy, aiming to fortify institutions across member nations. Such discussions are pivotal for promoting transparency and accountability, which are essential in advancing democratic values globally.