PM Bainimarama Conveys a Congratulatory Message for India’s 75th National Independence Day
14/08/2021
COVID-19 Update
27/08/2021Published On: 25/08/2021
Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama today received a courtesy call from the new High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan.
Prime Minister Bainimarama congratulated High Commissioner Karthigeyan on his new diplomatic appointment and reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to advance bilateral relations between Fiji and India.
In his welcome remarks, Prime Minister Bainimarama acknowledged 50 years of diplomatic relations that the two countries celebrated last year.
He added that he is grateful that our diplomatic relations is characterised by respect for each other’s sovereignty, common development and shared prosperity.
While conveying the Fijian Government’s appreciation to the Government of India for its contributions to Fiji’s national development and support to the region, Prime Minister Bainimarama said Fiji’s collaboration with India has great potential for growth in the future.
Prime Minster Bainimarama also extended Fiji’s appreciation to India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India for the provision of 100,000 doses of Made in India Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccines which has greatly assisted with the ramping up of Fiji’s national vaccination drive.
He said Fiji is grateful to its development partners for working in solidarity to mobilise assistance through provisions of COVID-19 vaccines and additional support for Fiji’s response to contain the pandemic.
Prime Minister Bainimarama conveyed the Fijian Government’s best wishes to High Commissioner Karthigeyan as he assumes his new role and also expressed his confidence in further enhancing Fiji’s engagement and cooperation with India.
In response, High Commissioner Karthigeyan reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Fiji and the region on advancing issues of mutual interests.
Prior to his appointment, High Commissioner Karthigeyan had served as the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Australia in Canberra. Shri Karthigeyan joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2004.
