Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau this week joined world leaders from more than 70 nations and international organisations in commemorating the 100th year anniversary of the end of the first world war in Paris, France.
World War I ended after Germany had formally surrendered on November 11, 1918.
Representing Fiji in his capacity as the former Head of State and Fiji’s special envoy, Nailatikau attended a series of events to mark this anniversary, culminating at an event in the heart of Paris.
World leaders led by French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to citizens across the world including Fiji who lost their lives in World War I.
The French President extended an invitation to Fiji in recognition of her own contribution during World War I when Fijian troops, during the British colonial period, were stationed in parts of France and Italy.
Nailatikau said Fiji’s participation at this event pays tribute to her own troops who lost their lives in World War I and provides an opportunity to strengthen relations with the international community and to reaffirm Fiji’s commitment to world peace.
Following the memorial service, Nailatikau later joined world leaders at the inaugural ‘Peace Forum’ in Paris and deposited a book on Fiji at the ‘Peace Library’.
