PM Narendra also held multiple bilateral meetings in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea and Fiji have honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with their highest civilian awards. Prime Minister Modi, who was on a visit to Papua New Guinea, received the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL), the country's highest civilian honor on Monday (May 22, 2023). The prestigious award, which grants recipients the title of 'Chief', was presented by Sir Bob Dadae, the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea. During the visit, he was also bestowed with the highest honor of the Republic of Fiji - the Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF). The award was presented by Prime Minister Stiveni Rabuka on behalf of Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere. Prime Minister Modi, who was in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III), also held several bilateral meetings. He held discussions with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape and thanked him for co-hosting the FIPIC Summit and for the kind welcome. The two leaders evaluated their bilateral ties and looked at ways to further consolidate their collaboration in several fields, including trade and investment, health, capacity building and skill development, and information technology. Climate change mitigation and fostering interpersonal connections were also discussed. Later, PM Modi reaffirmed his country's steadfast respect and support for the goals and aspirations of the Pacific Island Countries. Both leaders unveiled a translation of the celebrated Tamil classic "Thirukkural" into the Tok Pisin of Papua New Guinea, marking a significant cultural interaction. With a prologue written by Prime Minister Marape, this translated book was co-authored by linguist Subha Sasindran and Governor of Papua New Guinea's West New Britain Province Sasindran Muthuvel. Prime Minister Modi commended the authors for their valuable contribution to preserving the essence of Indian thought and culture in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Modi called on Governor-General of Papua New Guinea Sir Bob Dadae at the Government House in Port Moresby. The meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss the significance of bilateral ties and further strengthen the development partnership between the two countries. The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Papua New Guinea marked a historic occasion, as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. The warm reception extended by Prime Minister Marape, including a salute of 19 guns and a Guard of Honor, exemplified the close friendship and camaraderie shared between India and the Pacific Island countries. PM MODI MEETS PRIME MINISTERS OF FIJI, NEW ZEALAND Prime Minister Modi met Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka in Port Moresby, on the sidelines of the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III). This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Prime Minister Modi recalled that FIPIC had been launched during his visit to Fiji in November 2014, and noted the deepening of India's cooperation with Pacific Island Countries (PIC) since then. According to an official press release, both leaders reviewed the close and multifaceted development partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress in key sectors including capacity building, health care, climate action, renewable energy, agriculture, education and information technology. "The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora," the release added. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi held a meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand. This was the first interaction between the two Prime Ministers. According to an official press release, the two leaders discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation initiatives, and agreed to expand cooperation in various sectors including trade & commerce, education, information technology, tourism, culture, sports and people to people ties.