President Draupadi Murmu
Addressing the Fijian Parliament on Tuesday, Indian president Droupadi Murmu emphasis ‘close ties’ and ‘shared value’ between the two nations.
President Murmu began her address with ‘Namaskar’ and ‘Ni Sa Bula’, which mean good evening in Fijian, said, “It is my honour to meet you all, the elected representatives of Fiji, in this temple of democracy. I bring to you the greetings of 1.4 billion of your brothers and sisters in the largest democracy in the world, India. I thank the honourable Speaker for giving me this opportunity. This is the reflection of the close relations between our two countries.”
Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere conferred the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’, the highest civilian award in the country, upon the Indian President, earlier in the day.
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Stressing the similarity between the two nations, the President said, “Almost 10 years ago, speaking in this same hall, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, underlined some basic values that unite India and Fiji. These include our democracy, the diversity of our societies, our creed that all human beings are equal, and our commitment to the liberty, dignity and rights of every individual. These shared values are eternal and shall continue to guide us ahead.”
President Murmu appreciated the living style of Fijians
President Murmu praised Fiji’s “gentle way of life, the deep-rooted respect for traditions and customs, an open and multicultural environment,” noting that the world has much to learn from Fiji.
“No wonder Fiji is the place where the rest of the world comes to find its happiness,” she remarked.
President Murmu also reflected on the historical ties between two nations, she noted that ‘Grimitya’ workers (Indentured labourers) arrived in Fiji 145 years ago.
Additionally, this is first ever visit of an Indian President to Fiji.
