President Droupadi Murmu, currently on a state visit to Fiji, has expressed India’s readiness to partner with the island nation in building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous future. Addressing the Fijian Parliament on Tuesday, President Murmu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations to maximize their mutual potential.
“As India emerges strongly on the global stage, we stand ready to partner with Fiji according to your priorities to build a stronger, resilient, and more prosperous nation. Let us come together to unlock the full potential in our partnership for the mutual benefit of people of both our beloved countries,” she said.
President Murmu highlighted the extensive bilateral ties, noting that cooperation spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, research, and renewable energy. She stressed the ongoing importance of collaboration in agriculture, capacity building, climate change, clean energy, digital partnerships, education, healthcare, manufacturing, research, and the SME sector.
“Despite the physical distance between us, we have always had a close bond. In times of need, we have been among the first to respond. I am glad to note that the COVID-19 vaccines provided by India in 2021 under the vaccine Maitri initiative played a key role in Fiji’s successful national vaccination program.”
“As we celebrate 75 years of India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji, I am pleased to see the strong growth in our high-level engagements, development projects, and our people-centric activities. In the last 18 months, 15 ministerial-level visits have taken place on both sides. The historic meeting of both our prime ministers in May 2023 during the FIPIC-3 Summit has given new energy and direction to our bilateral ties. I am confident that the newly announced projects, including the super speciality cardiology hospital to be established in Suva, will meet the priority needs of the people of Fiji and the wider Pacific region”, President Murmu added.
President Murmu said she was honored to receive Fiji’s highest civilian award, the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji,’ describing it as a testament to the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.
She also acknowledged Fiji’s contributions to global well-being, mentioning legendary rugby player Waisale Serevi and congratulating the Fiji men’s rugby team on their Olympic silver medal performance.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu was warmly received by her Fijian counterpart, President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, at the State House in Suva. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the India-Fiji relationship, and President Murmu witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarization of Heads of State Residences’ project, an Indian initiative.
President Murmu’s state visit to Fiji marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to the country. Following her visit to Fiji, she is scheduled to visit New Zealand and Timor-Leste.
(ANI)