President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has called on Fijians living in Ireland to uphold the values that define Fiji as he met members of the diaspora in Dublin on Saturday.
The President and the First Lady, Emily Lalabalavu, were hosted by the Fijian community at the Clayton Hotel, where they received a traditional welcome and spent time meeting Fijians who now call Ireland and Northern Ireland home.
In his remarks, Ratu Naiqama said he was pleased to meet those who have settled abroad and continue to contribute both to their adopted communities and to Fiji.
“Wherever you are in the world, Fiji will always be home,” he said.
“While you are here, be good citizens, follow the law and take up the opportunities afforded to you here.”
He recognised the importance of Fijians abroad in Fiji’s development through expertise, remittances, and the global networks built across sectors and industries.
“It is heartwarming for me and my delegation to receive this traditional welcome, and I congratulate and encourage you to continue to maintain our culture of respect and reciprocity in teaching your children our language, culture, and the values that define us as Fijians.”
The President also provided a brief update on Fiji’s priorities in infrastructure, agriculture, education and land development.
