"I'm pleased to say that India will always be a special friend and trusted partner to Fiji," the Fiji Prime Minister said during a joint press statement with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Suva, Fiji on Thursday.
"I would like to take this occasion to really publically and sincerely thank the government of Fiji for partnering with us on this very important cultural, heritage exercise we do regularly," Jaishankar said on the 12th World Hindi Conference being hosted at the .
"Pleased to be call on H.E. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, President of Fiji in State House in Suva. Jointly inaugurated the Solarization of the State House. This is the first of a series that India is supporting in the Pacific Islands," tweeted Jaishankar.
Jaishankar stated the cultural performances by the two countries showcased their heritage and tradition and stressed that their confluence is a "notable aspect" of the historical ties between the two nations.
"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," Jaishankar tweeted.
"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," Jaishankar tweeted on Wednesday.
"In events like World Hindi Conference, it is natural that our focus should be on various aspects of the Hindi language, its global use, and its dissemination. We will discuss issues like the status of Hindi in Fiji, the Pacific region and indentured countries," said Jaishankar.
Speaking at the event, he said, "I want to thank the Fiji govt for agreeing to organise this conference here. I'm sure this will help in strengthening the long-standing historical and deep relations between India and Fiji."
The 12th World Hindi Conference is being organized in Fiji from February 15-17, 2023 by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in association with the Government of Fiji.