The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr. Zhou Jian,
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistic, Honourable Professor Biman Prasad,
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprise and Communications, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica,
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Honourable Viliame Gavoka,
The President of the Chinese Association of Fiji and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Ms. Jenny Seeto,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, and
Members of the Media.
Ni Hao, Bula Vinaka and a warm welcome to you all.
It is with great pleasure that I join you today, on this beautiful 15th of September, Two Thousand and Twenty Four, to celebrate two very important events – The Mid-Autumn Festival and commemoration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Festival, a time-honored tradition that holds deep cultural significance for the Chinese community here and abroad. This festival celebrates the harvest season and is a time for family reunions, thanksgiving, and the sharing of joy and prosperity.
We acknowledge the Chinese farming community here today. They have been instrumental in farming our everyday food crops, ensuring that our families have a choice of locally grown vegetables. I also acknowledge the Chinese farming community for their contribution in furthering the development of our domestic agricultural exports.
I wish all the farmers a great harvest season. Vinaka vakalevu for your hard work on the farms, which enable us to put healthy food on our tables.
The Moon Festival is a reminder of the values that bind us together—veiwekani (family), unity, and veilomani (love or love for one another). As we gather today, we are reminded of the importance of these values in our own lives and in our community. The spirit of the festival symbolizes harmony and completeness, reflecting the unity and strength of our diverse society here in Fiji.
The Chinese community has been an integral part of Fiji’s multicultural tapestry, contributing significantly to our nation’s development and enriching our cultural heritage. Your traditions, values, and hard work have helped shape Fiji into the vibrant and inclusive nation it is today.
For this, we are deeply grateful.
Fiji is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, from our pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to our lush rainforests and majestic mountains. Our islands are a testament to the wonders of nature, offering a serene and striking backdrop for celebrations such as this. As we celebrate the Moon Festival, let us also take a moment to appreciate the natural environment that surrounds us and commit to preserving it for future generations.
Additionally, as we look ahead to the 1st of October, we recognize the Chinese National Day, marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This milestone is a moment of pride for the Chinese community worldwide, and we join you in celebrating this significant occasion.
As President and Head of State, may I take this opportunity to assure the Government of the People’s Republic of China, through the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr. Zhou Jian of Fiji’s continued support of our nations’ longstanding relations.
Our enduring close and friendly ties is a portrayal of mutual respect and strength existing between our two nations under the banner of Strategic Partnership for Mutual Respect and Cooperation.
As we enjoy this delightful get together with the company of friends and family, let us also take a moment to reflect on the importance of unity and mutual respect. In these times, it is more important than ever to stand together, to support one another, and to celebrate the diversity that makes our nation strong.
I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating the Moon Festival and China National Day. May these events bring you and your respective families joy, health, and prosperity. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for all.
May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji. Thank you, Xie Xie and Vinaka Vakalevu!