Expressing her gratitude for the award, the President hailed the ties between the 2 nations and mentioned India stands able to associate 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 very best civilian award of Fiji. President Murmu mentioned that this honour is a mirrored image of the deep ties of friendship between India and Fiji,” President’s workplace mentioned in a tweet.
The President highlighted the shared values that unite India and Fiji, together with their vibrant democracies, various societies, perception in human equality, and dedication to particular person rights and dignity. She praised the Fijian lifestyle, characterised by respect for traditions and customs, and an open, multicultural surroundings, which she believes the world can study from in an more and more conflict-ridden world.
President Murmu expressed confidence within the newly introduced initiatives, such because the Tremendous Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva, which can cater to the precedence wants of the Fijian folks and the broader Pacific area. She additionally acknowledged the contributions of the “Girmitiyas” and their descendants, who arrived in Fiji as indentured employees greater than 145 years in the past and have since been embraced by the nation, contributing considerably to the event of their new homeland.
“Greater than 145 years in the past, future sure our two nations collectively when ‘Indentured’ employees first arrived on the shores of Fiji Islands from India,” PTI quoted her saying.
“Although their adolescence right here was stuffed with hazard and hardship, it’s heartening to know the way 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 their exhausting work and diligence.”
Throughout her go to, President Murmu met with President Katonivere at State Home, the place they mentioned methods to strengthen bilateral ties. She additionally met with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, they usually agreed to construct upon the historic ties and improve the partnership between the 2 nations.
“President Droupadi Murmu was warmly obtained by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji at State Home, Suva. The 2 leaders mentioned methods to additional deepen the India-Fiji relationship. At State Home, President Droupadi Murmu additionally witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarization of Heads of State Residences’ venture, an Indian initiative which was inaugurated in February final 12 months,” the workplace mentioned in a tweet.
Addressing the Indian group in Fiji, President Murmu thanked them for preserving their tradition, language, custom, and life-style, regardless of being away from India for 145 years. She recommended their exhausting work, self-discipline, and values, which have contributed to their success in all areas of life. She additionally acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s position as a dwelling bridge in strengthening the friendship between the 2 nations and thanked the Fijian authorities for recognizing the contributions of the Girmits and their descendants throughout the just lately held “Girmit Day” celebrations.
President Murmu highlighted the initiatives launched by the Authorities of India, such because the Abroad Citizen of India Card (OCI Card) and the “Know India Programme,” aimed toward deepening ties with the Indian diaspora and connecting the youthful technology of migrant households with their Indian roots.
From Fiji, President Murmu will journey to New Zealand and Timor-Leste as a part of her six-day, three-nation go to, which goals to additional India’s Act East Coverage.
