Suva (Fiji): President Droupadi Murmu was on Tuesday conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the nation’s highest civilian award, as she hailed the ties between the 2 international locations and stated India stands able to companion with Fiji to construct a stronger, resilient, and extra affluent nation.
“President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji upon President Droupadi Murmu. That is the best civilian award of Fiji,” the President’s Workplace stated in a submit on X.
Murmu, who’s on a two-day go to to Fiji, described the honour as “a mirrored image of the deep ties of friendship” between India and Fiji. That is the primary go to by an Indian head of state to the archipelago nation.
President Murmu additionally addressed the Fijian Parliament.
“As India emerges strongly on the worldwide stage, we stand able to companion with Fiji, in response to your priorities, to construct a stronger, extra resilient, and extra affluent nation. Allow us to come collectively to unlock the total potential in our partnership for the mutual profit of individuals of each our beloved international locations,” she stated whereas addressing the Parliament.
She stated that regardless of the huge distinction in measurement, India and Fiji have a lot in frequent, together with vibrant democracies. She recalled that just about 10 years in the past, talking on this identical Corridor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had underlined some primary values that unite India and Fiji.
“These embody, ‘our democracy, the range of our societies, our creed that every one human beings are equal, and our dedication to the freedom, dignity and rights of each particular person’. These shared values are everlasting, and shall proceed to information us forward,” she stated.
“In my brief time right here, I can see that the remainder of the world has a lot to be taught from Fiji. The mild Fijian lifestyle, the deep-rooted respect for traditions and customs, and an open and multicultural setting make Fiji so particular in an more and more conflict-ridden world. No surprise, Fiji is the place the place the remainder of the world comes to search out its happiness,” she stated.
She stated she was assured that the newly introduced tasks, together with the Tremendous Specialty Cardiology Hospital to be established in Suva, would assist to satisfy the precedence wants of the folks of Fiji and the broader Pacific area.
She additionally stated that it’s heartening to understand how the “Girmitiyas” and their descendants have been embraced by Fiji once they first arrived right here.
“Greater than 145 years in the past, future sure our two international locations collectively when ‘Indentured’ employees first arrived on the shores of Fiji Islands from India,” she stated.
“Although their formative years right here was crammed with hazard and hardship, it’s heartening to understand how the “Girmitiyas” and their descendants have been embraced by this nation. In return, they’ve contributed immensely to the constructing of their new homeland by means of their arduous work and diligence.”
Earlier, President Murmu was warmly acquired by President Katonivere at State Home the place the 2 leaders mentioned methods to deepen the bilateral ties.
“At State Home, President Droupadi Murmu additionally witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarisation of Heads of State Residences’ venture, an Indian initiative which was inaugurated in February final yr,” her workplace stated in a submit on X.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka referred to as on President Murmu and the 2 leaders held wide-ranging discussions and agreed to construct upon the historic ties and strengthen the partnership between the 2 international locations.
She additionally addressed the Indian neighborhood right here and thanked the federal government of Fiji for conferring her with the best civilian award.
Addressing the Indian neighborhood, she stated “You got here 145 years in the past, but you haven’t forgotten your tradition, your language, your custom, your life-style. That is why I thanks a lot.”
“Along with your arduous work, self-discipline and values, you’ve gotten been profitable in all areas of life.”
She additionally stated that the Indian diaspora has been a residing bridge within the means of strengthening the friendship between the 2 international locations.
“The Fijian Indian neighborhood…have helped within the improvement of this nice nation,” which, she stated, in flip, has contributed to “the constructing of hope within the Pacific area.”
“I additionally thank the Authorities of Fiji for recognising the contribution made by Girmits and their descendants in constructing fashionable Fiji through the lately held “Girmit Day” celebrations,” she stated, including that the particular step taken by the current Fiji authorities in declaring “Girmit Day” as a Nationwide Vacation and making Hindi the official language within the Parliament are exemplary examples, she added.
She additional stated that, “Retaining in thoughts the pursuits of our diaspora, the Authorities of India has launched a number of initiatives together with the Abroad Citizen of India Card or OCI Card, to additional deepen ties with the Indian diaspora, and to satisfy their wants.”
“For the youthful technology of migrant households, we now have the “Know India Programme” to attach them with their Indian roots. I’m very comfortable to know {that a} good variety of Fijian youth have taken benefit of this programme.”
From Fiji, Murmu will journey to New Zealand and Timor-Leste. Her six-day three-nation go to goals to take India’s Act East Coverage ahead, in response to the Ministry of Exterior Affairs.
