President Droupadi Murmu met with Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Tuesday, engaging in discussions to build upon historic ties and strengthen the partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, the President of India stated, “Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji called on President Droupadi Murmu. Both leaders held wide-ranging discussions and agreed to build upon the historic ties and strengthen the partnership between the two countries.”
Earlier in the day, President Murmu was received by her Fijian counterpart, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, at the State House in Suva. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the India-Fiji relationship, highlighting the mutual interest in expanding collaboration. President Murmu, on her State visit to Fiji, was accorded a traditional ceremonial welcome, reflecting the significance of this historic visit.
In another post on X, the President of India noted, “President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji at State House, Suva. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the India-Fiji relationship. At State House, President Droupadi Murmu also witnessed the progress of the ‘Solarization of Heads of State Residences’ project, an Indian initiative that was inaugurated in February last year.”
Upon her arrival in Fiji, President Murmu was received by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the airport, where she was also accorded a ceremonial welcome. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of this visit, stating on X, “An important milestone in India-Fiji partnership! President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrived in Suva on the first-ever visit by the President of India to Fiji. In a special gesture, PM @slrabuka of Fiji received President Murmu at the Nausori Airport with full state honors.”
President Murmu’s visit to Fiji marks the first leg of her three-nation tour, which also includes New Zealand and Timor-Leste. She embarked on this journey on Sunday, responding to an invitation from Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji. The visit aims to further strengthen the historic ties between India and Fiji, as emphasized in a previous MEA press release. This visit underscores India’s continued commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Fiji.
Following Fiji, President Murmu is scheduled to visit New Zealand from August 7-9 at the invitation of New Zealand’s Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro. During this State visit, she will hold bilateral meetings with Governor General Kiro and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Additionally, she will address an education conference and interact with the Indian community and friends of India, providing further impetus to India-New Zealand bilateral relations.
On August 10, President Murmu will visit Timor-Leste at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta. During this visit, she will hold a bilateral meeting with President Ramos-Horta. Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Kay Rala “Xanana” Gusmao, will also call on President Murmu. Moreover, she will interact with members of the Indian community. This will be the first-ever Head of State visit from India to Timor-Leste, further highlighting the importance India attaches to its bilateral relations with these countries.
The MEA’s earlier press release stated, “The State Visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India attaches to our bilateral relations with these countries and reflects our strong focus on the Act East Policy which was announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ten years ago at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014.”
President Murmu’s three-nation visit is a significant diplomatic endeavor, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering strong international relationships. Her meetings and discussions with leaders in Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual development in various sectors, reflecting the overarching goals of India’s foreign policy and the Act East Policy.