New Delhi, Feb 15 (FN?Representative) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is visiting Fiji, on Wednesday met Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka along with other Indian Parliamentary delegates on the sidelines of the 12th World Hindi Conference being held in Nadi. Posting a picture on his Twitter handle, the EAM tweeted: “Delighted to join my Parliamentary colleagues in meeting Fijian PM @slrabukam at the 12th #VishwaHindiSammelan.”
Earlier, the EAM, who had participated in the inauguration of the 12th World Hindi Sammelan, visited the Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami temple in Nadi. In a tweet, he said that the temple was an example of India’s vibrant culture and traditions flourishing in the South Pacific archipelago nation. “Visited the Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami temple in Nadi and had a darshan. “Along with my Parliamentary colleagues, could see first hand our vibrant culture and traditions flourishing in Fiji,” he posted. He also met office bearers of the TISI Sangam, a nonprofit social and cultural organization formed in Nadi in 1926. “Met office bearers of TISI Sangam who are so active in community service,” he tweeted. EAM Jaishankar and Fiji President Wiliame Katonivere had inaugurated the 12the World Hindi Conference in Nadi, Fiji, on Wednesday. The opening ceremony saw the traditional Fijian welcome of Sevu Sevu, and release of a commemorative postal stamp as well as six Hindi language books, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in tweets. “President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere of Fiji and EAM @DrSJaishankar inaugurated the 12th #VishwaHindiSammelan in Nadi, Fiji. “Joined by Ministers & Parliamentarians from India & Fiji.”
“The opening ceremony saw the traditional Fijian welcome of Sevu Sevu, and release of a commemorative postal stamp as well as six Hindi language books,” he posted. EAM Jaishankar in tweets said he was honoured to receive the traditional Sevu Sevu welcome at the inauguration of the 12th World Hindi Sammelan. “Deeply honoured to receive the traditional Sevusevu welcome in the presence of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the inaugural of the 12th #VishwaHindiSammelan. “Had the first cup of kava with a prayer for the health, peace and prosperity of India and Fiji,” he posted. “Started the day by participating in a traditional Fiji welcome. Presented the Sevusevu to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. May the deep and abiding India-Fiji bonds always remain strong,” he posted. He later met with Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, who was in Delhi last week, “Great to meet @FijiGovernment DPM @bimanprasad in Nadi shortly after our meeting in New Delhi. “Discussed further advancing our long-standing ties through our development cooperation.”
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, who is also in Fiji for the event, said he was happy to deliver the opening remarks at the inaugural session of the conference. “Happy to deliver opening remarks at inaugural session of 12th #VishwaHindiSammelan in Fiji, where President of Fiji H.E.Ratu Wiliame Katonivere & EAM presided.” “Excited about forthcoming sessions covering wide range of topics from traditional knowledge to Artificial Intelligence,” he tweeted. EAM’s visit to Fiji is also the first by an incoming Ministerial delegation after the formation of the new Government in Fiji in December 2022.