The President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, presided over a distinguished Civil Service Medal Investiture Ceremony in Abu Dhabi on November 3, 2025. This event recognized the exceptional contributions of two prominent Fijian diplomats for their dedicated service to the nation.
Attending the ceremony alongside President Lalabalavu was First Lady Mrs. Emily Lalabalavu, as well as family members and staff from the Fiji Embassy. The Civil Service Medal is an accolade that celebrates excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment among Fiji’s public servants, spotlighting those who exemplify outstanding performance and leadership.
In his keynote address, President Lalabalavu praised the awardees for their professionalism and dedication, emphasizing the pride they have brought to both the Fijian Civil Service and the wider nation. He urged all civil servants to emulate the exemplary standards set by the honorees by serving with humility, diligence, and patriotism.
The first recipient of the Civil Service Medal, Mr. Sanaila Laqai, currently serves as First Secretary at the Fiji Embassy in Abu Dhabi. With over 15 years in civil service, his vast experience includes significant postings in Beijing and now Abu Dhabi, where he has enhanced Fiji’s diplomatic relations with China, the UAE, and the broader Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa. He was also recognized for his vital contributions to the Fijian diaspora, particularly in consular and community support.
The second awardee, Mr. Jaljeet Kumar, holds the position of Second Secretary at the Embassy and has served nearly two decades in various capacities, including in Seoul, South Korea, and Washington D.C. He was honored for his extensive institutional knowledge and significant role in fostering Fiji’s diplomatic relations not only with Korea but also with the U.S., Canada, and the Gulf and MENA regions.
President Lalabalavu extended his heartfelt congratulations to both individuals for their dedication and service to Fiji, reaffirming the government’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of Fijians serving abroad.
This ceremony highlights the importance of recognizing civil servants’ contributions, ensuring their efforts are celebrated, which in turn inspires others within the public service to strive for excellence. The future holds great promise as such acknowledgements remind the nation of the critical role these individuals play in enhancing Fiji’s reputation on the global stage.
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