Feb 17: External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S. Jaishankar, is visiting Fiji from 15-17 February 2023 to attend the 12th World Hindi Conference being co-hosted by the Governments of India and Fiji. On his first visit to Fiji as EAM, he held bilateral meetings with Fiji’s leadership during his day-long visit to Suva on 16 February 2023.
EAM called on the President of Fiji, H.E. Mr Ratu Williame Katonivere at the State House and launched along with the Fijian President, the Government of India funded project for the Solarisation of the Pacific Heads of State Residence at the State House in Suva. The project is the inaugural pilot of the Solar Head of State initiative launched by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in Fiji and funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
He had meetings with the Prime Minister of Fiji H.E. Mr Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka and senior members of the Fijian cabinet including the three Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers for Home Affairs, Health, Education, Multi-ethnic Affairs and Sugar. During the bilateral meeting with the PM, both leaders took stock of the bilateral relations and discussed ways and means to further strengthen the development partnership between India and Fiji in various areas, including capacity building, health, education, agriculture and Information Technology.
EAM, Ministers of State and MPs attending the 12th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan also visited the Sri Siva Subramanya Kovil in Nadi.
During his visit to Suva, EAM inaugurated the renovated Girmit Gallery in the Fiji Museum, which has been supported by the Government of India under bilateral grant-in-aid. The Gallery showcases the journey of the Girmits (Indian indentured labourers) in Fiji.
EAM unveiled the bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in India House in Suva where he interacted with a large gathering of members of the diaspora community.
A visa waiver agreement was signed today between India and Fiji that would permit diplomatic and official passport holders of the two countries to travel and stay in each other’s country without holding a visa for 90 days.
India and Fiji share close, friendly and long-standing relations with a strong element of development partnership. This year marks 75 years of the establishment of India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji.
EAM’s visit marks the first high-level visit to Fiji since the change of government in December 2022.
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