Suva, Agencies, 19 November 2014

MOUs signed between India and Fiji during the visit of Prime Minister to Fiji

1. MoU on Cooperation on exchange of information on structure and content of training programs for diplomats

Shri. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary , Ministry of External Affairs, India

Mr. Amena Yauvoli, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

The MoU between Foreign Service Institute of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji will promote cooperation in mutually beneficial areas of activity, which includes: a) Exchange of information on structure and content of training programs for diplomats b) Identification of experts in mutually agreed areas. The MOU will foster closer exchanges between India and Fiji, as well as the Pacific region.

2.MoU on earmarking of land for the Diplomatic Missions in respective capitals.

Shri. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary , Ministry of External Affairs, India

Mr. Tevita Boseiwaqa, Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources.

The MoU confirms the earmarking of plots of land in New Delhi and Suva for the construction of the respective Missions/Cultural Centre/Residences of the High Commissions of Fiji in India and of the High Commission of India in Fiji. This will provide a permanent location for the conduct of our relations and will be an iconic presence in Suva.

3.MoU for extending a Line of Credit for establishing a Co-Generation Plant in Fiji

Shri. Anil Wadhwa, Secretary , Ministry of External Affairs, India

Mr. Naipote Katonitabua, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister

The MoU is the provision of $70m LOC to Fiji for the establishment of a co-generation power plant at Rarawai Sugar Mills. This will expand the scope of bilateral cooperation in the sugar sector by enhancing value addition and addressing climate change concerns. India had earlier provided assistance for up -gradation and product development at three of Fiji’s major sugar mills.

Fiji opposition boycotts Modi address to parliament

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Speaker of Fiji Parliament, Dr. Jiko Luveni on his arrival at Parliament, in Suva, Fiji

The Fijian opposition Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Wednesday boycotted the address to the Fijian Parliament by visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for which Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama apologised terming it an “inexcusable behaviour”.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Fiji in 33 years and was the first foreign leader to address the Fijian Parliament.

At the special session of parliament ahead of Modi’s address, Bainimarama apologised for the opposition boycott: “Unfortunately, the Opposition has chosen to boycott this session to protest what they mistakenly believe was an attempt to exclude them from these meetings by boycotting this session. Nothing could be farther from the truth.”

“I apologise to you, Prime Minister Modi, on behalf of the people of Fiji, for this inexcusable behaviour, which does not have anything to do with the relations between our countries. It only shows that some of us have some lessons to learn about democracy, statecraft, and nationhood,” he said.

Earlier, SODEPLA leader Ro Teimumu Kepa told Fiji media she was disappointed to hear that the Fiji prime minister’s vote of thanks would not include mention of her as Leader of Opposition.

In turn, the 15 SODELPA members in Fiji’s newly elected parliament said they would not attend the parliamentary sitting to hear Modi give his speech.

The National Federation Party Wednesday broke ranks with its opposition partner SODELPA and refused to support its boycott of the special parliamentary meeting to hear Modi’s address.

NFP leader Biman Prasad put aside his political differences with the government and welcomed the Indian leader.

The Fijian prime minister in a statement earlier described the opposition boycott as an “insult to the people of Ba town and all Fijians”.

He accused the SODELPA of putting its own political agenda ahead of national interests.

Modi announces visa on arrival for 14 Pacific Island countries

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in a group photo with the Pacific Island Leaders at the Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation, in Suva, Fiji

India Wednesday proposed a slew of measures to foster closer cooperation with the 14 Pacific island-nations, including visa on arrival for all and an e-network to connect the islands to provide tele-medicine and tele-education.

Addressing the first Pacific Island Leaders Meeting here, Modi said, “India wishes to be a close partner of the Pacific Islands”.

He announced setting up of a Special Adaptation Fund of $1 million to provide technical assistance and training for capacity building to the Pacific Island nations.

He announced Visa on Arrival for nationals of all Pacific island-countries – Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Niue, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

He proposed an e-network to connect the island nations, given the distances between the islands and poor connectivity.

He said “in keeping with the success achieved in the pan-Africa Project, we propose to develop Pan Pacific Islands Project for tele-medicine and tele-education”.

“We are also working on a solar energy project with the Pacific islands at the community level. The regional hubs will be developed in the Pacific islands,” he said.

Modi announced a hike in the grant-in-aid to Pacific island-countries from $125,000 to $200,000 each annually for community projects selected by them.

He also announced establishment of trade office of the Pacific island-nations in New Delhi to foster trade and to provide complimentary space to the countries during exhibitions organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) to showcase their products.

“We need to find complementarities in our trade. India could be important source of low-cost medicines. We can do joint research in traditional medicine. Explore options of developing healthcare facilities for the benefit of people in the region,” he said.

Modi also proposed to provide training to diplomats from Pacific island-countries to be held in India, and to begin a Distinguished Visitors Programme under which seminars would be held to explore new ideas for strengthening economic cooperation.

Modi proposed cooperation in space technology applications.

“We can look at possibilities of sharing data that could be used for monitoring climate change, disaster risk reduction and management, resource management,” he said.

He also proposed that a Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) be held on a regular basis and that the next meeting could be held in 2015 in a coastal location in India.

India, Fiji sign three MoUs, 15 more on anvil

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr. Frank Bainimarama witnessing the signing of agreements, in Suva, Fiji

Fiji Prime Minister Voreque Bainimarama said Wednesday that his government has signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with India while 15 more agreements will be signed soon.

The MoUs signed Wednesday, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to this Pacific island nation, included the exchange of land for a new chancery building in New Delhi, diplomatic exchanges that would allow Fiji’s diplomats to train at the Indian government’s Foreign Service Institute, and project financing for an electricity co-generation plant funded through the Exim Bank of India.

“This is only the beginning. We have some 15 more agreements in the works, and we expect to sign them soon — on agriculture, trade, health, water, sports and other areas of development,” Bainimarama said after signing of the MoUs.

“We are pleased that our relationship with India is growing and we are proud to have India as a partner in Fiji’s future,” added Bainimarama.

“Fiji also needs assistance, and I am pleased that we were able to discuss India’s assistance to Fiji, which is both generous and respectful of our needs,” added te Fijian prime minister added.

Fijians crowd around to shake hands with Modi, click selfies

Children taking pictures with the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during the traditional welcome ceremony, in Suva, Fiji

Thousands of people gathered at Albert Park in this Fijian capital Wednesday to welcome Narendra Modi, the first Indian prime minister to arrive in this Pacific Ocean island nation in 33 years.

Modi, who was accorded a traditional iTaukei ceremonial welcome by the people of Sorokaba in Ba, went around to meet the visitors, and shook hands as many took selfies with him.

Many people travelled from far away to see the prime minister of India.

At the Albert Park, many visitors stood on the chairs to catch a glimpse of Modi as he walked around.

Among the crowd was 76-year-old Hari-Narayan who was at Albert Park to see then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi during her visit in 1981. He said he was happy at the visit of Modi.

Many primary and secondary school students also took selfies with Modi and shook hands with him.

Modi is here on a day-long visit, during which he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and both sides inked a number of agreements.

Fiji comprises of over 300 islands, although only 110 of those are actually inhabited. The capital and largest city, Suva, is on Viti Levu.

The surface area of Fiji is around 18,274 sq km and this makes the country the 155th largest in the world.

Its population is around 849,000, with over 300,000 persons of Indian origin who have made this Pacific nation their home for over a century. For every square kilometre of Fiji territory, there is an average of 46.4 people living there.

PM’s remarks at interaction with civil society groups at Fiji National University

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today said that India would use the strengths of its democracy and young population for the benefit of mankind. He said the coming age would be the age of knowledge, and India would once again perform the role of “Vishvaguru”. In his remarks during an interaction with civil society at Fiji Technical University in Suva today, the Prime Minister said India had a responsibility towards the world at large.

The Prime Minister said India and Fiji have many shared values, and it is the responsibility of both of them to strengthen those values. Saying that Fiji had chosen the path of democracy to move forward, the Prime Minister said this had set an example that would exert a positive influence in the wider Pacific region as well.

Noting that the coming age was an age of knowledge and technology, the Prime Minister said it was essential to keep adding to the knowledge base, and to keep up the pace of new discoveries and inventions. He said India was once again ready to play the role of “Vishvaguru,” and work towards the benefit of mankind. He said our ancient sages had spoken of India`s global responsibility, and the coming “Gyan Yug” would see India play a pivotal role,using the strengths of its democracy and demographic dividend. He said the Government was giving priority to skill development so that these strengths could be leveraged for the benefit of the whole world. He also talked about ending the digital divide, saying we have to prepare for the future to help the world.

The Prime Minister spoke of the initiatives he had announced earlier today:

-Visa on arrival for Fiji and other Pacific island nations
-A fund of five million US dollars to promote small business and village enterprises in Fiji.
-A line of credit of 70 million US dollars for a co-generation power plant.
-Doubling the scholarships and training slots in India for Fiji.
-Setting up of a Special Adaptation Fund of $ 1 million to provide technical assistance and training for capacity building to Pacific island nations on the issue of global warming.

Prime Minister’s Address to the Fiji Parliament

Excellency Speaker Dr. Jiko Luveni, Excellency Prime Minister Bainimarama, Members of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji,

Nisan Bula and Namaste

Two months ago, Fijians voted in extraordinary numbers to elect their Parliament. Six months ago, Indians participated in the largest election in human history.

Today, I stand here, grateful for this special gift – the honour to be among you, to speak to this new Parliament, in celebration of democracy and to reaffirm our friendship.

India is a nation of more than a billion; Fiji a nation of a million.We are located in different oceans. But, what unites today is our democracy, the diversity of our societies, our creed that all human beings are equal, and our commitment to the liberty, dignity and rights of every individual. What also links today is that we have women as Speakers of our two Parliaments!

You have done better than us. One in every seven members in this Parliament is a woman; in India, it is just one in nine. So, I hope we can match you the next time; and, I hope we can both do better in future.

People in Fiji have different histories, ethnicities, languages and religions. But, they stand together as one nation of Fijians, with one voice, one vision and one aspiration. In both nations, we have vested power in our people. Your Constitution begins with “We, the people of Fiji”, Ours begins with the same simple words, “We the people of India” And, what a Constitution you have framed! It is a Constitution that only not only guarantees freedoms and rights the citizens, but also to ensure their basic needs and empower them. From the right to life, liberty, dignity, equality and freedom of religion, To the right to education, information, work, health, food and water To the rights of children and the disabled. This is a Constitution that reflects the will of an enlightened nation.

The journey to this milestone had its struggles and setbacks, but the road you have chosen has won you admiration around the world and the support of the people here.

Honorable Members,

Fiji is a shining example of small nations that can successfully pursue great ambitions, Because what makes a nation successful is not its size or its population, but its vision and its values.

Today, Fiji is a nation that has used its economic resources well. You have been a strong voice on behalf of the Pacific Islands and a hub of this region. You led the G 77 with vision and statesmanship. Your soldiers have served with outstanding professionalism in UN Peacekeeping Missions in some of the world`s most dangerous spots. And, you are playing an influential role in shaping the global dialogue on climate change.

There are many in India, who wish Vijay Singh wore the Indian colours on the golf course!

Honorable Members,

For India, Fiji will always have a special place. The tide of history brought many from India to your shores. It has forged our ties of culture and kinship. But, our relationship today stands on a much broader of our shared values and our common interests as developing countries. And, now, together we were partners in making history.

You graciously hosted Indian scientists in Fiji for tracking our Mars Mission, Mangalyaan. It was the only mission in the world to succeed in the first attempt.

I convey today the gratitude of the people and the scientists of India. This simple yet profound act of cooperation reflects the boundless possibilities in our relationship, if we choose to seek them.

Our trade and investment ties have been modest. Our relationship in science, education and culture could be stronger. Yet, there are examples of our partnership that should inspire us – our cooperation in upgrading your sugar mills or the public-private partnership in the area of healthcare.

As we have collaborated in running hospitals here, we can also extend our cooperation in pharmaceuticals and traditional medicines.

As Fiji adjusts to the changing global markets, India is prepared to be your partner – In making your existing industry stronger and finding new opportunities for your youth. For countries like ours, village and small and medium scale industries are the source of enterprise and employment.

Today, I am pleased to announce a grant of 5 million U.S. dollars to strengthen and modernize Fiji`s village, small and medium industries. We will also provide a Line of Credit of 70 million dollars for a co-generation power plant at Rarav Sugar Mill. And, another Line of Credit of 5 million dollars for upgrading the sugar industry in Fiji.

Agriculture supports a majority of the population in India and Fiji. I offer our expertise and assistance in increasing productivity in the agriculture sector. As the largest producer of milk in the world, India can help develop your dairy industry, which can also contribute to your exports. In areas like fisheries, textiles and garments, and gems and jewellery, we can expand trade.

In this digital age, every nation can be part of the global information technology industry. And, it is a dream that youth around the world share. It is an industry that depends on ideas and skills. It offers a great path to prosperity. And, it has a light carbon footprint.

We were pleased to set up a centre of excellence in information technology here in Fiji. We are is prepared to work with you to build a Digitial Fiji and to equip your youth to integrate Fiji into the global IT network.

We will also deepen our cooperation in education and training and we will double the number of our scholarships.

Today, I propose that we work together to harness the potential of Space technology for governance, economic development, conservation, climate change and natural disasters.

We could work to make Fiji the hub for our regional collaboration in Space, just as India has done with ASEAN.

There are times when we think of each other as distant lands, separated by oceans and seven time zones.

But, think of the days when travel was difficult. That did not deter brave people from travelling over the seas in search of a new life. Distance, to me, is irrelevant in a world of fiber optic cables and satellite links. We are only as far away as the click of a mouse or the call button of a phone. In any case, a direct flight today can take you from Fiji to most places in India. And, I say this more to my people than to you.

Fijians have been steady in visiting India. We in India have not paid enough attention to this beautiful land of warm people and immense potential. This must change. We must make travel easier between our two countries. For this reason, I have taken a small step in extending visa on arrival to Fijians in India, as you have done for Indians. And, if you want to attract more Indians to enjoy the magnificence of your islands and the warmth of your hospitality, you should invite Bollywood to shoot their films in Fiji.

Honourable Members of Parliament,

We have spoken of vast opportunities, but we also share many common challenges. For you, climate change is not a matter of debate, but a basic question of existence.

India, too, is a nation of a long coastline and more than 1000 islands, a nation that is nurtured by monsoon rain and the Himalayan glaciers.

We, too, are facing the searing impact of climate change. And, we spend more than 6% of our GDP in adapting to its consequences. Now, each of us must shoulder our own responsibilities. We cannot side aside and take no action. Technology has made it possible.We don`t have to seek old pathways to prosperity.

In India, we have a comprehensive national plan and strategy to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. And, I have a deep personal commitment to it. And, we look forward to working with Fiji in areas such wind and solar energy. But, it is also equally important that the global community accepts its responsibility and implements its commitment. It should not become one in which the strong shift the burden on the others; or impose the responsibilities of their excesses on the choices that others make. It should not be an issue of economic advantage or trade competitive of one over the other.

The world had agreed on a beautiful balance of collective action – common but differentiated responsibilities. That should form the basis of continued action. This also means that the developed countries must fulfil their commitments for funding and technology transfer.

India has stood shoulder to shoulder with Fiji and the Small Islands Developing States is seeking a fair and urgent response from the international community for a sustainable future.

We also have shared stakes in a peaceful, cooperative and prosperous Asia and Pacific regions. Stretching from the Indian Ocean through continental Asia into Pacific, this is a region of enormous dynamism and opportunities, but also a region with many challenges.

Fiji is a leader in the region and a strong voice in the developing world. Together, we can also work for a future in the region, in which there is an equal place for all nations – big and small, developed and developing – and a climate of peace and tranquility.

I thank Prime Minister and Fiji for their leadership in hosting my meeting with the Pacific leaders later today.

Let us join hands to create an ocean of opportunity that stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Sometimes our relations have been adrift.

Sometimes our relations have been adrift.

Let us chart a new course. Let us start a new era – When it does not take another 33 years for an Indian Prime Minister to visit Fiji. When Fijians and Indians work with each other from the comfort of familiarity and the ease that comes with the habit of regular partnership.

When we draw strength from the ties of history and the bonds of emotions; seek new purpose in our many shared interests; and seize our new opportunities.

Thank you Vinaka (Thank you). Dhanyawad.

Remarks by Prime Minister to the Media after meeting with Prime Minister of Fiji

Prime Minister Bainimarama, Distinguished members of the media

I feel really privileged to have the opportunity to visit Fiji.I am delighted that this moment has come so early in my tenure.It is also soon after a successful parliamentary election in Fiji.

I want to congratulate the people of Fiji on a remarkable election and you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your victory.

From the time we arrived, I have been charmed and moved by Fiji`s beauty and your extraordinary welcome.

I regard Fiji as an important partner for India. We have deep and enduring ties of history and culture. Fiji is an influential voice in the Pacific Region and the developing world, and our partner in multilateral institutions.

We face many common global challenges. We have shared interests in peace and cooperation in our inter-linked ocean regions.

Our bilateral relations and international partnership has been strong. But, we are also aware that the relationship has at times been adrift; and that our cooperation should be much stronger than it is.So, I see this visit as an opportunity to renew an old relationship and lay the foundation for a strong partnership in the future.

Prime Minister and I had very productive talks. I complimented him for seeking to build an inclusive Fijian nation, which guarantees rights, and provides a life of opportunity and dignity, to all its citizens.I thanked him for including India in his priorities and for his leadership in promoting India-Fiji ties.

We agreed to consult more closely on international issues of mutual interest, including international trade, climate change, United Nations Peacekeeping and UN reforms.

Fiji could serve as a hub for stronger Indian engagement with Pacific Islands.

We will also expand our defence and security cooperation, including assistance in defence training and capacity building. We agreed to identify opportunities to expand our trade and investments and work out a concrete roadmap.

In addition to traditional areas of economic cooperation, we look forward to closer engagement in areas like information technology and Space applications.

India will remain a committed development partner for Fiji. I thanked him for his support on India`s new assistance projects in Fiji. These include:

• a Parliament Library;
• A fund of five million US dollar to promote small business and village enterprises in Fiji.
• A line of credit of 70 million US dollars for a co-generation power plant.
• And, doubling the scholarships and training slots in India for Fiji.

We will do more in other areas such as tourism and cultural exchanges. I am happy to announce Visa on arrival for Fijians.

India and Fiji feel the impact of climate change.

We are also prepared to increase cooperation in renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy, and in building capacity to adapt to climate change.

In addition, we could share our experience and expertise in disaster management and response.

Let me also thank you, Prime Minister, for providing a great platform for the first ever interaction between India and Pacific Islands.

I want to offer to convey a special word of gratitude from the people of India for hosting Indian scientists for tracking India`s Mars Mission earlier this year. Together we made history.

I am confident that this visit, especially my meeting with Prime Minister Bainimarama, will mark the start of a new era India-Fiji relations.

I am looking forward to the rest of my day here, including the honour of addressing the Parliament.

Thank you

Modi meets school children in Fiji

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Fiji on a one-day visit Wednesday, met school children after a traditional welcome ceremony at Albert Park here.

The event was designed to greet Modi in the proud iTaukei tradition, and also in a way befitting a leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy, Fiji Live cited the Fijian government as saying.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Fiji since Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1981.

Fiji is the final leg of Modi’s three-nation 10-day tour. He visited Myanmar and Australia before arriving in Fiji.

Ethnic Indians comprise 37 percent of Fiji’s population of nearly 900,000.

Most of them are descendants of indentured labourers who were brought in from India between 1879 and 1916 to work in the country’s sugarcane plantations.

Modi gets traditional Fijian welcome

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi greeting the people during the traditional welcome ceremony, in Suva, Fiji

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Wednesday accorded a traditional iTaukei ceremonial welcome at the Albert Park here.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Fiji in 33 years.

Earlier, Modi was received at the airport by Prime Minister Bainimarama.

The traditional welcome ceremony was conducted by people from Sorokaba in Ba. The welcome was designed to greet Modi in the proud iTaukei tradition, and also in a way befitting a leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy, said the Fijian government.

The opposition SODELPA party has said it would boycott the special parliamentary sitting that Modi is to address later in the day.

SODEPLA leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa, told Fiji media she was disappointed to hear that the Fiji prime minister’s vote of thanks will not include mention of her as the leader of the opposition, according to Radio New Zealand.

In turn, the 15 SODELPA members in Fiji’s new parliament say they will not attend the parliamentary sitting during which Modi will give his speech.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Fiji since Indira Gandhi travelled there in 1981.

The Fijian government, criticising the SODELPA’s decision to boycott the parliamentary sitting, said Modi’s visit was a national event, not a political one. “It is an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world’s largest democracy and one of Fiji’s most important international partners in discussions that are critical for Fiji’s future.”

“The visit to parliament is an opportunity for the elected representatives of all the Fijian people — not just government — to share in this visit. Obviously, the government has primary responsibility for the visit and the official discussions, but it has taken care to ensure that H.E. Prime Minister Modi experiences a visit with all the people of Fiji.”

Fiji can be hub for Indian ties with Pacific Islands: Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that Fiji could serve as a hub for stronger Indian engagement with the Pacific Islands and acknowledged that Indo-Fiji relations have “at times been adrift; and that our cooperation should be much stronger than it is”.

Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit Fiji in 33 years, also announced visa on arrival for Fijians.

In his statement after talks with Fijian Prime Minister Bainimarama, Modi said he saw his visit as an opportunity to renew an old relationship and lay the foundation for a strong partnership in the future.

Modi said he had had “very productive talks” with his Fijian counterpart and complimented him for seeking to build an inclusive Fijian nation, which guarantees rights, and provides a life of opportunity and dignity, to all its citizens.

Both sides have agreed to consult more closely on international issues of mutual interest, including international trade, climate change, United Nations Peacekeeping and UN reforms, he said.

He said India and Fiji will expand their defence and security cooperation, including assistance in defence training and capacity building.

Both sides have agreed to identify opportunities to expand trade and investments and also closely engage in areas like information technology and Space applications.

“India will remain a committed development partner for Fiji,” he said and thanked him for support on India’s new assistance projects in Fiji, including a Parliament Library and a fund of $5 million to promote small business and village enterprises in Fiji.

“We will do more in other areas such as tourism and cultural exchanges. I am happy to announce visa on arrival for Fijians,” he said.

Modi said India is prepared to increase cooperation in renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy, and in building capacity to adapt to climate change.

India is also prepared to share experience and expertise in disaster management and response.

He also thanked Fiji for hosting Indian scientists for tracking India’s Mars Mission earlier this year. He said he was confident that the visit would mark the start of a new era of India-Fiji relations.

Newspapers in Fiji ahead of arrival of Narendra Modi