This will be a new day and a new beginning in our relations.
This is the message to the people of Fiji from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Following the traditional welcome ceremony at Albert Park, Modi said he feels that he is no longer a visitor after a united Fiji welcomed him to a beautiful country which is full of culture and diversity.
Fijian Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama said Fiji welcomes the Indian Prime Minister and he is looking forward to positive discussions with Narendra Modi.
He said the agreements that will be signed today will deepen the relations between Fiji and India.
Bainimarama said the relations go years back to the times when people came from British India to Fiji.
Many agreements have been signed between the two countries in the last hour and Modi has just revealed in parliament that India will set up a Centre for Excellence for the Information Communications Technology in Fiji.
A grant of 5 million US dollars will also be given to strengthen and modernise Fiji’s village small and medium industries while India will also provide a line of credit of $70 million for a Co-generation power plant at the Rarawai sugar mill, the dairy industry will also be supported as India is the largest producer of milk in the world while an agreement has also been signed to allow visa on arrival for Fijians visiting India.
Modi has also confirmed that scholarships will be doubled by India.
Meanwhile thousands of people gathered at Albert Park this morning to welcome the Prime Minister of India.
Narendra Modi was accorded a full traditional welcome ceremony by the people of Sorokoba on behalf of all the people of Fiji.
Following the official ceremony, Modi walked around the park shaking hands with hundreds of people.
He stopped for many selfies with people from all walks of life.
Many primary and secondary school students were also lucky to get selfies with Modi and shake hands with him.
It can be described as a rockstar welcome for Modi as many people just wanted to catch a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister while many others wanted to get selfies and just shake his hands.
Stay with us for coverage of Narendra Modi's visit.
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