Overview
In a statement made during his three-day visit to Fiji, he celebrated the two countries’ “close and friendly ties.”
Today the Prime Minister and Minister @Fiji_MOFA Hon. @slrabuka, met with the Minister for External Affairs of the Republic of India Hon. @DrSJaishankar during his first official visit to Fiji.🇫🇯🤝🇮🇳 have reaffirmed commitment to further advance the relations. #FijiIndia🇮🇳🇫🇯 pic.twitter.com/zt7vVFXARw
— Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@Fiji_MOFA) February 16, 2023
Jaishankar reached Nadi on Tuesday, where Fiji’s Education Minister Aseri Radrodo welcomed him. On Wednesday, he also met with Deputy PM Biman Prasad to discuss advancing their development partnership.
On Thursday morning, Jaishankar met with Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere in Suva, where he unveiled the “Solarization of Residences of Pacific Heads of State Project.”
The EAM said the project highlighted India’s commitment to climate action and the importance of “shared priorities with the Pacific islands.”
India funds US$1.3m solar project that will be power key buildings of 11 Pacific countries. In Fiji the Solar equipment is being installed at the State House (Residence of the President), Suva. https://t.co/TjaMK8G4EM pic.twitter.com/VYj3cEPG8M
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 16, 2023
Fijian PM on India and China
During Thursday’s joint statement, Tabuka celebrated India as a “special friend and trusted partner.” He added that Fiji was “very fortunate” to host discussions with “such a great power and economy.”
Recalling India’s humanitarian assistance and delivery of essential vaccines, he added that India has stood by Fiji “in times of great need.”
Regarding China, Tabuka said that the pair “thought it was bad manners” to discuss countries that were not participating in the discussions, and instead focussed on bilateral issues. He said that India and China have both been Fiji’s friends. He added, “We have great old friends and there is no need to look for new friends. There are no really new friends in this region.”
We have been friends with India, We have been friends with China, says Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka pic.twitter.com/lmOEYi2gKx
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 16, 2023
This remark comes as Fiji seeks to improve its relations with Australia to secure a “comfortable niche,” while simultaneously diluting its partnership with China.
In January, Fiji ended its 2011 agreement with China, which allowed Beijing to train the local police. Earlier, PM Tabuka was quoted by the Fiji Times saying that Chinese officials’ presence was no longer required in Fiji as the two countries’ systems are “different.”
Meanwhile, he said that the officers from New Zealand and Australia would be allowed to stay back, given that their systems are similar to that of Fiji.
Visa MoUs
Privileged to unveil a bust of Sardar Patel at the India House in Suva, Fiji.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 16, 2023
His vision of a united, stronger nation remains an inspiration for all Indians. pic.twitter.com/ZFLNXeI9m1
Jaishankar also facilitated an MoU with Fiji, through which Indians with diplomatic and official passports will no longer require a visa. He said the agreements would help “encourage greater travel” between the two countries.
India has such an agreement with 59 other countries.
World Hindi Conference
Deeply honoured to receive the traditional Sevusevu welcome in the presence of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the inaugural of the 12th #VishwaHindiSammelan.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 15, 2023
Had the first cup of kava with a prayer for the health, peace and prosperity of India and Fiji. https://t.co/o9V6zFczwf
Jaishankar inaugurated the 12th Vishwa Hindi Sammelan (World Hindi Conference) and emphasised the need to promote the use of Hindi globally. The EAM said, “Many such languages and traditions, which were suppressed during the colonial era, are again raising their voice on the global stage.”
He also discussed the status of the language in Pacific countries like Fiji.
Since 1975, 11 other World Hindi Conferences have been organised, with the first session hosted in Nagpur. In 2018, the last conference was hosted by Mauritius.