President Droupadi Murmu, who is in Fiji on a State visit, has expressed Bharat’s readiness to collaborate with Fiji to build a resilient and prosperous nation.
Addressing the Fijian Parliament, she asserted on the mutual benefits of a strengthened partnership, saying, “As Bharat 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 the people of both our beloved countries.”
President Murmu highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations in various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, research, and renewable energy. “Our cooperation in agriculture, capacity building, climate change, clean energy, digital partnership, education, healthcare, manufacturing, research, renewable energy, and the SMEs sector continues to grow from strength to strength,” she noted.
Acknowledging the historical ties and support provided by Bharat during critical times, she mentioned the Covid vaccine initiative. “Despite the physical distance between us, we have always had a close bond. No wonder in times of need we have been among the first to respond. I am glad to note that the Covid vaccines provided by Bharat in 2021 under the vaccine Maitri initiative played a key role in Fiji’s successful national vaccination program,” she added.
President Murmu expressed optimism about future engagements and projects, highlighting the significance of the new Cardiology hospital in Suva.
“As we celebrate 75 years of Bharat’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. I am confident that the newly announced projects, including the super speciality Cardiology hospital to be established in Suva, would help meet the priority needs of the people of Fiji and the wider Pacific region,” she said.
During her address, she also accentuated the shared values and democratic principles between Bharat and Fiji. “Despite the vast difference in our size, both our countries have much in common, including our vibrant democracies. These shared values are eternal and continue to guide us ahead,” she stated.
Reflecting on her visit, President Murmu praised Fiji’s way of life and its contributions to global well-being. “In my short time here, I can see that the rest of the world has so much to learn from Fiji. The gentle Fijian way of life, the deep-rooted respect for traditions and customs, an open and multicultural environment, makes Fiji so special in an increasingly conflict-ridden world,” she remarked.
President Murmu, who was honoured with Fiji’s highest civilian award, ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji,’ highlighted this as a reflection of the deep ties of friendship between the two nations. She discussed ways to deepen the Bharat-Fiji relationship with her Fijian counterpart, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, and witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarization of Heads of State Residences’ project, an Indian initiative inaugurated last year.
