Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley was accorded a full traditional welcome ceremony this morning at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Governor-General Hurley and Her Excellency Mrs. Linda Hurley were officially received by His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and First lady, Madam Filomena Katonivere.
Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and Mrs. Mary Bainimarama also attended the traditional welcome ceremony.
The event featured senior government officials, Parliamentarians, Members of the Diplomatic Corp and invited guests.
Following the traditional ceremony, Governor-General Hurley conveyed his appreciation for the exceptional traditional welcome which, demonstrates the richness of the Fijian culture and tradition. He acknowledged the kind hospitality accorded to him and Mrs. Linda Hurley, upon their arrival in Fiji yesterday evening.
Governor-General Hurley’s visit to Fiji is the first by an Australian Governor-General since 1993.
“So, our visit represents a meeting between friends, between partners, between vuvale – a ‘coming back together.”
“In the coming days, both here in Suva and also in Vanua Levu, Linda and I look forward to meeting and hearing the stories of peoples across Fiji, and seeing how Australians and Fijians are working together for the betterment of our two countries and our region.
“It’s a partnership that serves our two countries extremely well, including our shared Blue Pacific.
“Again, thank you to Their Excellencies and all involved in the ‘Traditional Ceremonies’ for making us so welcome. Fiji is a beautiful country. Fijians are a warm and kind-hearted people, known for their hospitality. Linda and are delighted to be here and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the course of our visit. “Vinaka vakalevu and God bless, Fiji.”
It was highlighted that the bilateral relations between the two nations has strengthened over the years and this State Visit further underscores the state of relationship and its enduring nature.
After the ceremony, Governor General Hurley paid a courtesy call on President Katonivere at the State House.
A courtesy call on Prime Minister Bainimarama was also held later this afternoon at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
