SUVA: President Droupadi Murmu was on Tuesday conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the country’s highest civilian award, as she hailed the ties between the two countries and said India stands ready to partner with Fiji to build a stronger, resilient, and more prosperous nation.
“President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji upon President Droupadi Murmu. This is the highest civilian award of Fiji,” the President’s Office said in a post on X.
Murmu, who is on a two-day visit to Fiji, described the honour as “a reflection of the deep ties of friendship” between India and Fiji. This is the first visit by an Indian head of state to the archipelago nation. President Murmu also addressed the Fijian Parliament.
“As India emerges strongly on the global stage, we stand ready to partner with Fiji, according to your priorities, to build a stronger, more 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 while addressing the Parliament.
She said that despite the vast difference in size, India and Fiji have much in common, including vibrant democracies. She recalled that almost 10 years ago, speaking in this same Hall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 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,” she said.
She said she was confident that the newly announced projects, including the Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital to be established in Suva, would help to meet the priority needs of the people of Fiji.