WORLD NEWS | Jaishankar unveils bust of Sardar Vallabhai Patel in Suva, Fiji

New Delhi [India]Feb 17 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Sardar Vallabhai Patel at India House in Suva, where he interacted with a large group of members of the diaspora community, a statement from the foreign minister said.

“I had the honor of unveiling a bust of Sardar Patel at India House in Suva, Fiji. His vision of a united and stronger nation still inspires all Indians,” Jaishankar tweeted.

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Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Fiji, Jaishankar said the Indian community has achieved its own milestones and is today a great asset to India, the country they live in and the world.

Speaking to the community in Suva, Fiji, the minister said that when we look at the Indo-Pacific region, we see Fiji as an important partner with which we have a long established relationship.

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“This was my first visit to Fiji. After two days, I wondered why it took me so long to get here. It was an interesting visit and I learned a lot from it,” the minister said.

Jaishankar, who was in Fiji for the 12th World Hindi Congress from February 15-17, held bilateral talks with Fijian leaders during his first day visit to Suva on February 16.

According to the statement, Jaishankar met with Fijian President Ratu William Katoniwere in the state assembly, and together with the President of Fiji launched the solarization project funded by the Indian government for the official residences of Pacific heads of state. Suva.

According to the statement, the project is the first pilot project of the Solar Heads of State Initiative initiated by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in Fiji and funded by the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund.

He met Fijian Prime Minister Sitivini Ligamamada Rabuka and senior members of Fiji’s cabinet, including three deputy prime ministers, ministers of home affairs, ministers of health, ministers of education, ministers of multi-ethnic affairs and ministers of sugar.

During the bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, the two leaders took stock of the bilateral relationship and discussed ways and means to further strengthen the development partnership between India and Fiji in various fields including capacity building, health, education, agriculture and information technology.

EAM, Minister of State V Muraleedharan and MPs attending the 12th World Hindi Congress also visited Siva Subramanya Kovil in Nadi.

During its visit to Suva, EAM inaugurated the Fiji Museum’s refurbished Girmit Gallery, supported by a bilateral grant from the Government of India. The gallery showcases the journey of Girmits (Indentured laborers) in Fiji.

India and Fiji on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

The exchange of the MoU was witnessed by Foreign Minister Jaishankar and Fijian Prime Minister Sitivini Rabuka.

India and Fiji have a close, friendly and longstanding relationship with a strong development partnership. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji, the statement added. (Arnie)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the body of content may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)