President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has honoured fallen United Nations peacekeepers during a visit to the United Nations Military Academy at Curragh, Kildare, as part of his first State Visit to Ireland.

President Lalabalavu, accompanied by First Lady Emily Lalabalavu, inspected an eight-man Guard of Honour before participating in a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of service personnel who lost their lives while deployed on UN missions.

He acknowledged the strong military cooperation between Fiji and Ireland, particularly in international peacekeeping efforts across the Middle East and other regions.

“Fiji and Ireland have a long history of peacekeeping which reflects our shared commitment to global peace and stability. Fiji values this partnership and looks forward to strengthening cooperation in defence training and peace operations,” he said.

Officials from the Irish Defence Forces provided the President with a briefing on current operations in the Middle East, where Irish troops work closely with the Fiji Battalion.

The United Nations Military Academy delivers leadership and operational training for Irish Defence Forces personnel, including overseas deployment preparation.

The visit marks an important step in reinforcing defence ties and honouring the sacrifices made by both nations in support of global peace.