Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed Fiji for being a shining example of a small nation possessing great vision and added that democracy linked India with the island nation.
"I congratulate you on a successful election. It is democracy which links us. Fiji is a shining example of a small nation which can successfully pursue great ambitions. You(Fiji) have led G-77 with great vision and statesmanship," Prime Minister Modi said here in his address at Fiji's Parliament.
Drawing the attention of the listeners in Fiji's Parliament, Prime Minister Modi who became the first world leader to address the house said that both nations shared another commonality with their respective Parliaments represented by women Speakers.
"I stand here grateful for this special gift, the honour to address this Parliament. What links us is that both of our Nations have women speakers. Your are better than us, 1 in every 7 members is a woman, we have 1 in 9," he said.
Earlier, on his arrival here at the Nausori International Airport, Prime Minister Modi was received by Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and given a ceremonial welcome, amidst the playing of the national anthem.
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Both India and Fiji have signed various agreements in the presence of the two respective Prime Ministers.
During his visit to the island nation, Prime Minister Modi will also be meeting the leaders and representatives of 12 Pacific Island nations as well.
He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Fiji in 33 years since late prime minister Indira Gandhi's visit to the country in 1981.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to return home on Thursday after he completes his ten-day three nation trip of Myanmar, Australia and Fiji.
