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FIJI, October 20, 2006: Shri Vaylar Ravi, Indian Minister of Overseas Affairs, visited Fiji for the first time in October with a mission of strengthening ties between the two countries. The Indian Diaspora is well established in Fiji and the Minister wanted to catalyze Indo-Fijan relations including growth of ties in higher education training, networking of academic institutions, forging institutional partnerships, scholarships, India study programs and intensification of cultural studies according to the news release. In a presentation at the University of Fiji, Ravi stressed the broad similarities between India and Fiji as multi-cultural and multi-ethnic societies practicing tolerance and respect for each other and called upon the assembled gathering to understand the values, which India stood for. He also expounded on the influence of Gandhian thought on the Fijian population that goes back to the beginning of the last century, that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi of tolerance, harmony, love and truth have strengthened the progress of Fiji and that the democratic traditions of India imbibe mutual respect and understanding, social harmony and unity among people. Ravi also formally inaugurated the Indian Cultural Centre in Suva during his visit.

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