New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she felt the strength of Fijian hospitality in the traditional welcome ceremony at the Grand Pacific Hotel this morning.
After receiving a whale’s tooth and drinking a bowl of kava this morning, Ardern said she and her husband have really felt Fijian hospitality from the moment they arrived in Fiji.
“You can see the strength of the hospitality of the Fijian people from the moment you receive the whale’s tooth to the fact that you receive mats for those who have traditionally travelled by sea, that you provide food in case those travellers are hungry, that you provide kava and water for those travellers who may be thirsty. It speaks to importance of hospitality to you and we feel the warmth of the hospitality and share that value as well”
The traditional welcome ceremony was done by members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Ardern also met with President Jioji Konrote this morning and they took part in a tree-planting ceremony.
She also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.
The New Zealand Prime Minister will meet with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama later today.
Key topics of discussion between Fiji and New Zealand’s bilateral meeting are climate change in the Pacific, improving the balance of trade and development co-operation.
They are expected to hold a press conference at 12.45pm.
Ardern is also expected to meet the Opposition Members of Parliament.
Her final engagement for today will be the State Dinner at GPH.
