The responsibilities of political parties and movements to their respective countries and peoples cannot be overemphasized. History is replete with examples of how a people committed to a common cause shaped countries, regions, and the world.

Asia has had its fair share of such changes. The changes forged new alliances and models of development the architects of the change envisaged as being most appropriate for their social, economic, and political context. The same models still determine the political orientation of their respective countries.

The Republic of the Fiji Islands, like other small island nations in the South Pacific, is still dealing with such changes. Our challenges may be of a different dimension given our small populations and few ethnic and religious groupings, if any. But they are changes we nonetheless have to deal with.

The SDL party takes a long-term view about resolution of economic, political, and social issues Fiji is currently facing. It recognizes that

·Sustainable economic and social development can be assured only in a stable political environment, and

·Political stability can be assured only if the economic and social programs deliver equal opportunities to all sectors of society locally.

Within the context of rapid globalization the South Pacific, a region consisting of many small island countries with limited opportunities and resources, the SDL expects the Fiji government to play its part in ensuring that these small countries in the region are able to maintain decent standards of living while ensuring political and economic stability. SDL believes Fiji should:

·Establish liberal agreements with other island countries in the trade of goods and services;

·Recognize the limited absorptive capacity of small island countries and establish liberal policies on movement of people for efficient mobilization of skills and opportunities;

·Improve goodwill between countries in the region;

·Promote and foster closer multi-lateral arrangements through the South Pacific Forum and the Community of the South Pacific.

SDL respects the integrity and sovereignty of nations. Since independence, Fiji has always maintained a “One China” policy. This position is because the policy has historical basis, is practical and the only viable long-term solution.

We in the South Pacific have much to gain by learning from the political parties and leaders in Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand. But such relationships must be established on the basis of mutual respect and understanding. It must also be based on independence and equality. Furthermore, for such relationships to endure the test of time, they must embrace an understanding of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

Party-to-party arrangement can also enhance other pursuits including:

·Coherent formulation of long-term policies to guide state-to-state diplomacy;

·Maintenance of close relationships between people of different countries, even when governments change;

·Exchange of ideas and materials that can foster learning cultures.

We wish to publicly acknowledge our appreciation to the Communist Party of China for entering into such a formal relationship with the SDL party. SDL hopes to establish similar relationships with other parties under the similar conditions.

The challenge of the future is to have politicians who appreciate the importance of closeness of different countries, and different people. Party-to-party relationships are a good first step in this direction.