Fiji’s Head of State, His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, arrived in the Republic of Kiribati today for a State Visit.
Upon arrival into the island nation’s capital of Tarawa, His Excellency was accorded a full guard of honor and accorded a traditional welcome ceremony by the Unimwane or Elders of Eita Village.
His Excellency thanked Cabinet Ministers, Elders and members of the Tarawa community for their hospitality and warm welcome.
“On behalf of the Fiji delegation I would like to say how honored we are to be here in Kiribati and thank you indeed for your hospitality and welcome,” he said.
President Nailatikau also thanked the presence of Kiribati’s cabinet ministers and senior government officials, which he added signified the close ties between Fiji and Kiribati.
“We are linked intricately and there are parts of Fiji that are here and parts of Kiribati that are in Fiji and they are very much alive and built on the relationship that we have now”, the President said.
Unimwane Katangaua of Etia Village presented Ratu Epeli with their community’s symbol of good fortune and wished him peace, love and good fortune.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Adi Koila Nailatikau, the President will be in Kiribati till the 13th of February and will meet with senior leaders.
(For more photos from this event, please visit the Ministry's Facebook Page)
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