President Droupadi Murmu has returned to New Delhi on Sunday evening after concluding her three-nation state visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor Leste. Apart from strengthening the bilateral relations, MoUs and bilateral agreements on key aspects were signed during the visit. The special engagement and connect with the Indian diaspora was a key aspect of this visit.
In New Zealand, bilateral customs cooperation arrangement, which is expected to ease trade between the two countries was signed. New Zealand also ratified the International Solar Alliance paving way for enhanced opportunities for joint research and development in this field. Both the countries also agreed to exchange the best practices in the field of traditional medicine through the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.
In Timor Leste, MoUs were exchanged on co-operation between Prasar Bharati and the Timorese public broadcaster, Radio Televisaun Timor Leste (RTTL), visa waiver for official and diplomatic passport holders and cooperation on cultural exchange programme.
In Fiji, formal handing over of the documentation allocating the project site for the 100-bedded Super Specialty Cardiology hospital took place between the two sides.
During the visits, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji and Grand Collar of the Order of Timor Leste, both the highest civilian decorations of the countries.
These state visits will not only help in strengthening the deep historic partnership India shares with the visiting countries but also expand them into new sectors. The visits also underscores the strategic importance India places on the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia in line with the Act East Policy.
President Murmu honoured with Timor-Leste’s highest civilian award; PM says, proud moment for country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed immense pride over President Droupadi Murmu’s recognition with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the highest civilian award of the nation. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that it is a proud moment for the country to see the Indian President being honoured with the highest civilian award of Timor-Leste. He added this prestigious honour reflects the strong ties and mutual respect between India and Timor-Leste. Mr. Modi said that it is also a recognition of her monumental contribution to public life for several years.