EAM Jaishankar, Fiji’s Deputy PM Biman Chand Prasad discuss development partnerships

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Biman Chand Prasad to discuss the development collaboration between the two nations, notably in fields like health and education.

During their discussions, the two ministers reaffirmed the deep ties between the two peoples.

Taking to Twitter, EAM Jaishankar said, "A good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister @bimanprasad of @FijiGovernment today. Discussed India-Fiji historical people to people ties, our development cooperation and collaboration at multilateral forums."

Prasad, who is Fiji's Minister of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, is visiting India from February 5-10. This is the first high-level visit from Fiji since the establishment of the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in December 2022.

Later, Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh organized a luncheon in honor of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad. Later, the visiting Deputy Prime Minister traveled to Bengaluru and took part in the first India Energy Week (IEW) 2023.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the relationship between India and Fiji is built on mutual respect, teamwork, and close cultural and people-to-people ties. The MEA added that Deputy Prime Minister’s visit comes ahead of the 12th World Hindi Conference, which will be held in Nadi, Fiji, from February 15–17, 2023, and will be co-hosted by India and Fiji.