The highest civilian award in Fiji, the Companion of the Order of Fiji, was given out to President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. She praised the two nations' relationship and stated that India is prepared to work with Fiji to create a more powerful, resilient, and affluent country.

"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.

During her two-day visit to Fiji, Murmu called the honor "a reflection of the deep ties of friendship" that exist between Fiji and India. This is the first time an Indian head of state has been to the country of the archipelago.

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, 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.

highest civilian award
Image Source:
Wikimedia Commons

She asserted that despite their enormous geographic differences, Fiji and India have many things in common, such as thriving democracies. She recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted several fundamental principles that tie India and Fiji together about a decade prior, during a speech in this same hall.

“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.

"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. No wonder, Fiji is the place where the rest of the world comes to find its happiness," she said.

The speaker expressed her confidence in the recently announced initiatives, which include the establishment of a Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva, to address the pressing needs of the people of Fiji and the Pacific region as a whole.

Prior to this, Presidents Murmu and Katonivere had a cordial meeting at the State House during which they talked about strategies for strengthening their bilateral relations.

“At State House, President Droupadi Murmu also witnessed the progress of the 'Solarisation of Heads of State Residences' project, an Indian initiative, which was inaugurated in February last year," her office said in a post on X.

Murmu is going to Timor-Leste and New Zealand from Fiji. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi states that she is visiting three countries for six days with the goal of advancing India's Act East Policy.

You might also be interested in - Former High Court judges write to President Murmu, expressing concern over the Lok Sabha election