The Zurich Fijian community in Switzerland  met with the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, for the first time.

The community welcomed him with a traditional ceremony to show their long-awaited appreciation.

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere spoke about the need to appreciate our culture and community as means for promoting Fijian values. 

Community leader Kelemedi Lave expressed the group’s appreciation to the President for his visit.

He stressed that his presence in Switzerland on this occasion is to promote global peace at the highest level as the war in Ukraine is affecting Fiji and the international community. 

The discussions also included Fiji’s fight against climate change and the developments back at home.

“I am thankful that we can have this gathering and am grateful to everyone for being here today,” said Ratu Katonivere.

Ratu Katonivere said “as we’ve often said, we can never take Fiji out of a Fijian. This gathering goes to show how Fijians around the world still cherish Fiji.”

The meeting was also an opportunity for the Fijian Zurich community to have a talanoa session with the President.