As longstanding development partners, Fiji and India remain committed to strengthening bilateral engagements by pursuing innovative opportunities in socio-economic sectors.
This was the message conveyed by outgoing High Commissioner of India to Fiji, Her Excellency Padmaja while paying a farewell call to the Honourable Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama today.
PM Bainimarama conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to High Commissioner Padmaja for her contribution in advancing the Fiji-India cooperation for the benefit of both the nations despite the current challenges we face due to COVID-19.
In commending the Government of India for its unwavering support, PM Bainimarama said partnership generates returns on investment through development initiatives that benefits both Fiji and the region.
Fiji also recognises India’s enormous support and collaboration in renewable energy, provision of technical experts and training, educational, Micro and Small Business Enterprises and cultural exchange programs. The Prime Minister acknowledged the High Commissioner’s role in the first ever Regional Hindi Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in January of this year and commended India’s rich traditional and cultural heritage.
PM Bainimarama extended the Fijian Government’s best wishes to High Commissioner Padmaja for her future endeavors and congratulated her for 40 years of distinguished career and leadership roles.
In response, High Commissioner Padmaja thanked PM Bainimarama and the Fijian Government for their excellent cooperation with the High Commission of India in Fiji.
“India is grateful to Fiji for its invaluable support to India at United Nations and other international organizations. Development cooperation is also progressing well in various fields both bilaterally as well as through the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund.
“I congratulate the Government of Fiji for its success in keeping Fiji COVID19-contained. It is today one of the very few places on earth where one feels safe from this pandemic. It is a commendable achievement especially keeping in mind that Fiji has been dealing with the challenges of COVID19 and TC Harold simultaneously. She also praised the Prime Minister for his leadership on Climate and for his role in establishing Fiji as a founding member of the Solar Alliance.
“Fiji shall be celebrating the 50th Independence Day in October this year. I convey my heartiest congratulations in advance. This historic occasion also coincides with India and Fiji completing 50 years of diplomatic relations. It is a momentous occasion for us,” High Commissioner Padmaja said.
She said her experience in Fiji has been one of the best and she will take with her the fond memories of friendship of the Fijian hospitality.
Information on the recent assistance and programs conducted between Fiji and India
• The Government of India completed its commitment of financial assistance of US$5 million to the Fijian Government’s Micro and Small Businesses Grant Facility with High Commissioner Padmaja handing over the last tranche of assistance of FJ$ 2.08 million to the Hon. Prime Minister of Fiji on 25th June 2019.
• The Government of India approved a sum of US$ 850,000 through India-UN Development Partnership Fund for supporting a new initiative to create a climate disaster risk financing framework for Fiji. The new initiative aims to alleviate economic damage caused by climate and extreme weather events.
• The Government of India has also approved US$1.2mn for Solarisation of Residences of Heads of States in eleven Member Countries of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), including Fiji, as well as the Headquarters of the PIDF in Suva. The project has also been funded through India-UN Development Partnership and India-UN Development Partnership Commonwealth Window and will be executed by PIDF and UNDP.
• Under the Fijian Government’s Adopt A School Programme launched after TC Winston, Government of India had provided assistance of US$ 1.3mn towards reconstruction of 20 schools in Fiji. Since last year, four schools have been commissioned and several others are due to be commissioned in the near future.
In July 2020, Government of India approved assistance of FJ$ 307,730 for Gujarat Education Society for upgrade of IT facilities at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School at Suva.