Members of the Fijian diaspora in Dublin and Northern Ireland came together last night for a special event hosted at the Clayton Hotel, where they had the honor of meeting President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and First Lady Emily Lalabalavu. This gathering formed part of the President’s official engagements in Ireland and aimed to reinforce connections between Fiji’s leadership and its citizens living overseas.
During his address, President Lalabalavu expressed joy at reconnecting with Fijians who have made Ireland their home. He praised their ongoing ties to Fiji and the contributions they make to both their adopted country and their homeland. “Wherever you are in the world, Fiji will always be home,” he stated, encouraging attendees to be active and responsible citizens while seizing opportunities available to them.
Highlighting the vital role of the Fijian diaspora, the President acknowledged their professional contributions, remittances, and the global networks they help build, which support families and communities back in Fiji. He conveyed gratitude towards the community for maintaining Fiji’s customs and identity even while residing abroad, referring to a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony he received as deeply touching.
In addition to fostering personal connections, President Lalabalavu took the opportunity to update the gathering on Fiji’s advancements in significant development areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education. He also shared insights from his recent meeting with Ireland’s Taoiseach, Prime Minister Micheál Martin, where both leaders underscored the strong ties between Fiji and Ireland and discussed future collaboration.
Toward the conclusion, the President encouraged the Fijian community in Ireland to continue their mutual support and to return home whenever possible, emphasizing that their loyalty and connection to Fiji are essential for the nation’s strength and unity.
This event not only underlined the importance of cultural preservation among the diaspora but also promoted a sense of hope and unity as the Fijian community navigates life abroad while remaining anchored to their roots. Such engagements by the President reflect a dedication to nurturing these vital relationships, contributing to a positive future for Fiji and its people worldwide.
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