President Droupadi Murmu receives a standard ceremonial welcome upon her arrival in Suva, Fiji on August 6, 2024. | Picture Credit score: PTI
On August 6, President Droupadi Murmu was awarded the title of Companion of the Order of Fiji, the nation’s highest civilian award, and lauded the ties between the 2 nations and stated India stands able to companion with Fiji to construct a stronger, extra resilient and affluent nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was additionally conferred this highest civilian award in 2023 in recognition of his international management.
“President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji has conferred upon President Droupadi Murmu the Companion of the Order of Fiji. That is Fiji’s highest civilian award,” the Workplace of the President stated in a publish on X.
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Ms 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.
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“As India emerges strongly on the worldwide stage, we stand able to companion with Fiji, in step with its priorities, to construct a stronger, extra resilient and affluent nation. Allow us to be a part of fingers to unleash the complete potential of our partnership for the mutual advantage of the folks of our beloved nations,” he stated whereas addressing Parliament.
He stated that regardless of the huge distinction in dimension, India and Fiji have a lot in frequent, together with vibrant democracies. He recalled that almost ten years in the past, talking on this very corridor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had underlined some fundamental values that unite India and Fiji.
“These values embody our democracy, the range of our societies, our perception that every one human beings are equal, and our dedication to the liberty, dignity and rights of each particular person. These shared values are everlasting and can proceed to information us into the long run,” he stated.
“Within the brief time I’ve been right here, I can see that the remainder of the world has loads to study from Fiji. The Fijians’ peaceable lifestyle, deep respect for traditions and customs, open and multicultural surroundings, make Fiji so particular in an more and more conflict-ridden world. It’s no marvel that Fiji is the place the place the remainder of the world comes to hunt its happiness,” he stated.
He stated he was assured that the not too long ago introduced tasks, together with the Tremendous Specialty Cardiology Hospital to be established in Suva, would assist meet the precedence wants of the folks of Fiji and your complete Pacific area.
Earlier, President Murmu was warmly obtained by President Katonivere on the State Home, the place the 2 leaders mentioned methods to deepen bilateral ties.
“On the State Home, President Droupadi Murmu additionally witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarisation of Heads of State Residences’ mission, an Indian initiative, which was inaugurated in February final yr,” her workplace stated in a publish on X.
From Fiji, Ms Murmu will journey to New Zealand and East Timor. Her six-day three-country go to is geared toward boosting India’s coverage to advertise cooperation within the East, based on the Ministry of Exterior Affairs in New Delhi.