President Droupadi Murmu conferred with 'The Order of Fiji', highest civilian award
Droupadi Murmu conferred with The Order of Fiji: In a significant gesture of international recognition, President Droupadi Murmu has been awarded 'The Order of Fiji,' the country's highest civilian award by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji on Tuesday.
President, as a part of her visit to the South Pacific nation, also addressed the Fijian Parliament.
She also held a brief interaction with the Indian community there.
In a special briefing on the State visit of the President to Fiji, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) said, "President of Fiji conferred upon our President 'The Order of Fiji'which was deeply appreciated by the President. She also addressed the Fijian Parliament. The President held a community interaction in Suva."
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. President Murmu said that this honour is a reflection of the deep ties of friendship between India and Fiji. pic.twitter.com/6xWcykOI71 — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2024
President Murmu began a three-day visit to Fiji on Sunday, at the invitation of Fiji's President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere. After her stay in Fiji, she will continue her trip to New Zealand and Timor-Leste.
From August 7-9, President Murmu will be in New Zealand, invited by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. During this leg of her trip, she is scheduled to meet with Governor-General Kiro and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Additionally, she will speak at an education conference and engage with the Indian community and supporters of India.
This visit aims to strengthen India-New Zealand relations.
On August 10, President Murmu will travel to Timor-Leste, invited by President Jose Ramos-Horta. There, she will have a bilateral meeting with President Horta, and Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala "Xanana" Gusmao will also meet with her.
President Murmu also met the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, as well as the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere.
"The President landed in Suva today morning, upon arrival she was accorded a Guard of Honour by Fiji Military Police followed by a traditional welcome attended by the Prime Minister. Along the route from the airport, it was heartwarming to see hundreds of school children line up shouting their greetings to the President. At the State House, the President met the President of Fiji. Together they viewed the solarization project of the State House. It was completed by India as a part of our development partnership," the MEA Secretary said.
"The Prime Minister of Fiji also called on the President and they had wide-ranging discussions in which they reaffirmed the mutual trust and strong commitment towards enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries," he added.
- With inputs from agencies
