The Fijian Media Association has expressed concerns about foreign dignitaries who visit the country but do not allow for time to take questions or have a discussion with local and international media.
The Association says it is concerning that in the current visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to Fiji, the Fijian and international media were restricted from asking questions and only provided a briefing.
It says this is not limited to China.
The Association says when the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Fiji in February this year, only one media organisation in Fiji was chosen to ask one single question during his entire visit.
As such, the Association commends Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong for providing access to the media, taking questions from every media and even arranging for a doorstop opportunity during her visit to Fiji last week.
The Association says it feels it is important that given the great public and strategic interest in these visits that time is allocated for visiting leaders and our leaders to take questions and discuss issues related to our partnerships.
The Fijian Media Association says leaders at this level should be ready to take and answer questions from the media, facilitate access and provide opportunities and space to do so.
