As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day today, many turned up to celebrate India’s achievement and the relationship between Fiji and India during a vibrant reception hosted by the Indian High Commission and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Suva at the Grand Pacific Hotel last night.
Fiji’s Protocol Officer says the Fiji-India bilateral relations is founded on mutual understanding, respect for each others sovereignty, common development and shared prosperity.
She says this valued relationship will only grow stronger as we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with India this year.
The officer says this will be yet another milestone in the relationship which dates back to 145 years since the arrival of indentured labourers.
She says we will continue to acknowledge the contributions of the indentured labourers who have been a vital component of the society, contributing to the socio-economic development of modern Fiji and providing the rich heritage that has made Fiji such as vibrant and robust hub in the Oceania region.
She says they look forward to our continued collaboration and deeper engagement with India in areas of mutual interest such as human resource development, climate resilient project, health and education sector assistance, humanitarian assistance and people-to-people relations.
The Protocol Officer says these mutually beneficial endeavours will continue to be progressed through enhanced partnership, special cultural links, enduring bonds and corporation that have been shared for generations with India.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Chief Justice Salesi Temo, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, Fiji Government Ministers and officials, diplomats, business leaders, friends of India and members of the Indian diaspora were also present at the celebration.
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