‘India’s honour’: PM Modi on Papua New Guinea, Fiji receiving highest recognition

Port Moresby: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the highest honor of Papua New Guinea and Fiji, a rare honor for a non-resident living in the two Pacific Ocean countries. Modi was in Papua New Guinea on Sunday on his first visit to the country to host a crucial summit between India and 14 Pacific island nations to boost bilateral ties.

In a special ceremony at Government House, the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dade, conferred the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL) on Prime Minister Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. , It is the country’s highest civilian award and the awardees are given the title of “Chief”.

“Unprecedented honor for India as Papua New Guinea confers its highest award on PM Modi,” said the Prime Minister’s Office. Papua New Guinea conferred the Companion of the Order of Logohu on Prime Minister Modi for supporting the unity of Pacific island nations and leading the cause of the Global South. Very few non-residents of PNG have received the award, including former US President Bill Clinton.

“I am overwhelmed by Papua New Guinea conferring on me the Companion of the Order of Logohu. Thank you Governor General Sir Bob Dade for presenting the award. It is a great recognition of the achievements of India and our people.” the minister tweeted. “A mark of respect to the depth of India-Papua New Guinea relations,” tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs.

This comes soon after Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitvini Rabuka also conferred the country’s highest award on Modi. “Great honor for India. PM Modi has been awarded Fiji’s highest honor by the PM of Fiji: Companion of the Order of Fiji in recognition of his global leadership. Only a handful of non-Fijians have received this honor ,” said the Prime Minister’s Office.

time @Narendra Modi Has been awarded Fiji’s highest honour, The Companion of the Order of Fiji. PM presented it to him @slrabuka, pic.twitter.com/XojxUIKLNm— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 22, 2023

Taking to Twitter, the Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi paid tributes to the people of India and generations of the Fiji-Indian community, who have played a key role in the special and enduring bond between the two countries. “Grateful to the people and government of Fiji for conferring on me the Companion of the Order of Fiji. I thank PM @slrabuka for conferring the award. It is an honor to the people of India and a strong bond between India and Relationships are recognized.” Fiji,” the prime minister tweeted.

Humbled to be conferred upon me the Companion of the Order of Loghu by Papua New Guinea. Gratitude to the Governor General Sir Bob Dade for presenting the award. It is a great recognition of the achievements of India and our people. pic.twitter.com/VDhqTJK6Ra— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2023

Modi also had a “spectacular meeting” with Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, on the sidelines of the FIPIC summit. The whips presented Modi with an abacal, one of the most important instruments for the people of Palau. Abaki has a strong connection with the local culture. It is also a symbol of leadership and wisdom, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Twitter.

Some of the previous international awards presented by countries to Prime Minister Modi are The Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia’s highest honor given to non-Muslim dignitaries), State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (Afghanistan’s highest civilian honour), The Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (the highest civilian honor of Palestine awarded to foreign dignitaries) and the Order of Zayed Award (the highest civilian honor of the United Arab Emirates).

Other awards include the Order of Saint Andrew Award (Russia’s highest civilian honour), the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Maldives’ highest honor awarded to foreign dignitaries) and the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (a top). Are. honor by the Gulf country).