Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged India for their continued assistance in the country’s development as assisting in his aim to eradicate poverty in Fiji.
While speaking during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rabuka says he would like to do what Modi has done in India and that is eradicate poverty, particularly in the rural and maritime areas.
Rabuka says first of all, it has to be eradicated from the minds of the people who have believed for so long that they are poor.
He says the introduction of cowpeas to Fiji might be a very small thing for a great nation like India, but for us, it is great.
Rabuka says a lot of common rural areas and peri-urban people will be able to participate in the economy by just planting these.
The Prime Minister says they look forward to continuing the great cooperation they have and Fiji has been fortunate to be part of India’s efforts in solarization and medicine research and the use of their recent discoveries and inventions.
Rabuka also paid tribute to more than 60,000 Girmitiyas as they have developed the economy that Fiji now enjoys.
He says they have developed the community and the society that Fiji is proud of today and in a very small way, Fiji has introduced the celebration of Girmit Day in May every year as a token of our respect and recognition of this great contribution and of the descendants of those great men and women who came in those days are now continuing the legacy.
He adds they continue to contribute to Fiji's growth, economy and to Fiji's stability.
Rabuka also highlighted Fiji’s first peacekeeping casualty in Lebanon, Vidya Sadar, and honoured the sacrifice of soldiers who serve for peace.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the Girmitiyas and says they have constantly strengthened the unity and solidarity of Fiji in the social and cultural diversity.
Modi also highlighted key assistance India is providing Fiji including the 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, dialysis units and sea-ambulance that will be sent, and the opening of public health centres where cheap and high-quality medicines will reach every home.
He also confirmed that a Jaipur foot camp will be set up in Fiji and India will now have 12 agri-drones and 2 mobile soil testing labs.
Modi also congratulated the Government of Fiji on the acceptance of Indian Ghee in Fiji.
He also confirmed that India and Fiji have agreed on an action plan to boost defence and security cooperation, with India supporting Fiji in maritime security, cyber security, and counter-terrorism efforts.
While highlighting Fijian rugby legend Waisale Serevi’s stint as Indian national team coach, Modi says now an Indian coach will promote the Fiji cricket team.
Modi also says that Indian teachers will be sent to University of Fiji to teach Hindi and Sanskrit and Fiji Pundits will come to India for training and will also participate in the Gita Mahotsav.
The Indian Prime Minister adds from language to culture – relations will deepen.
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