President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste from August 5 to 10, 2024, to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Pacific nations, and to highlight India’s focus on the Act East Policy.
The visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India places on bilateral relations with these countries and reflects a strong focus on the Act East Policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ten years ago at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.
President Murmu will visit Fiji on August 5 and 6 at the invitation of Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji. This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to Fiji. President Murmu will hold bilateral meetings with President Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. She is also scheduled to address the Fijian Parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora in Fiji. The visit reflects India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Fiji.
On the second leg of her visit, President Murmu will visit New Zealand from August 7 to 9 at the invitation of Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand. During the State visit, President Murmu will hold a bilateral meeting with Kiro and meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. She will address an education conference and interact with the Indian community. The visit will provide further impetus to India-New Zealand bilateral relations.
President Murmu will also visit the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on August 10 at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta. During the visit, President Murmu will hold a bilateral meeting with President Horta. Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala “Xanana” Gusmao, will also call on President Murmu. In addition, she will interact with members of the Indian community. This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to Timor-Leste.
(With ANI Inputs)
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