Lagatar24 Desk
Port Moresby, May 22: On the eve of the third Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, two Pacific Island nations—Fiji and Papua New Guinea—presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest civilian honours.
In recognition of his global leadership, Fiji gave PM Modi the highest honour: Companion of the Order of Fiji.
“PM @narendramodi has been conferred the highest honour of Fiji, the Companion of the Order of Fiji. It was presented to him by PM @slrabuka,” tweeted the Prime Minister’s Office.
The highest distinction in Fiji, which is only bestowed upon a select few non-Fijians, was given to PM Modi by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
PM Modi said, “…This honour is not just mine but that of 140 crores Indians, of centuries-old India-Fiji relations…”
Additionally, PM Modi received the Companion of the Order of Logohu from Papua New Guinea for his efforts to advance the causes of the Global South and the unification of the Pacific Island nations. Few non-Papua New Guinean citizens have ever won this honour.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “Papua New Guinea has conferred the Companion of the Order of Logohu on PM Narendra Nodi. It was presented to him by Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae.”
“An honour emblematic of the depth of India-Papua New Guinea relationship. Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae of Papua New Guinea conferred PM Modi with the country’s highest civilian award, Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL),” tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
In addition, President Surangel Whipps Jr. presented PM Modi with the “Ebakl Award” of Palau on the sidelines of the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “Had a wonderful meeting with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau on the sidelines of FIPIC Summit.”
