Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Wednesday evening officiated at the 12th World Hindi Conference opening dinner in Nadi.
He acknowledged and wished participants well on their deliberations during their meeting.
PM Rabuka highlighted how tourism was a vital part of the country’s economy and urged participants to go back to their various countries and inform them of how “Fiji is a beautiful place to visit”.
He acknowledged the Government of India for their continuous support in the various assistance rendered towards the Fiji Government.
The opening dinner, which was hosted by the Fiji Government, was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Trade, Cooperatives and SMEs Manoa Kamikamica.
India’s Minister for External Affairs Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the week-long event provided an opportunity to promote the longstanding relationship between India and Fiji.
“The enthusiasm and support of the Fiji Government is visible in so many ways,” he said as he acknowledged the traditional Fijian isevusevu ceremony.
“This expression of tradition has been so heartfelt, warm and sincere. It has really made us feel so very welcome here in Fiji and I offer my sincere vinaka.”
He said it was important to discuss the development of the Hindi language. Conference 2
