Fiji Confers Its Highest Civilian Award to President Droupadi Murmu

GG News Bureau
Suva, 6th August. President of India Droupadi Murmu arrived in Suva, Fiji this morning on the second leg of her State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste.

She was welcomed by the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, at the airport with a ceremonial greeting. This historic visit marks the first-ever by an Indian Head of State to Fiji.

Accompanying President Murmu are Minister of State George Kurian and Lok Sabha MPs Saumitra Khan and Jugal Kishore.

A traditional welcome ceremony was held for President Murmu, attended by the Prime Minister of Fiji. Later, at the State House, President Murmu was warmly received by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji.

The leaders discussed ways to deepen the India-Fiji relationship. President Murmu reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening ties and development partnerships with Pacific Island Countries (PICs), with Fiji being a key partner.

In recognition of her contributions, President Katonivere conferred Fiji’s highest civilian award, the Companion of the Order of Fiji, on President Murmu. She also reviewed the ‘Solarisation of Heads of State Residences’ project, an Indian initiative launched in February last year.

Addressing the Fijian Parliament, President Murmu emphasized the shared values and democratic principles between India and Fiji. She assured Fijian parliamentarians of India’s readiness to support Fiji in its democratic endeavors.

Highlighting Fiji’s global contributions, particularly in climate change and human conflict resolution, she praised Fiji’s prominent role on the world stage and reaffirmed India’s commitment to climate justice.

In a subsequent meeting, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held wide-ranging discussions with President Murmu, agreeing to strengthen bilateral ties. They presided over a ceremony for the allocation of project sites for the High Commission of India Chancery and Indian Cultural Centre Complex in Suva and a 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Suva.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, President Murmu praised the resilience of the ‘Girmitiya’ indentured laborers who arrived in Fiji 145 years ago. She highlighted the importance of the overseas Indian community as partners in India’s development journey.

President Murmu also visited the National War Memorial in Suva to honor martyred soldiers and paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School.

The day concluded with a reception hosted by President Katonivere at the State House, where President Murmu expressed gratitude for the warm welcome.

President Murmu will depart for Auckland, New Zealand, tomorrow, after completing her engagements in Suva.