President Droupadi Murmu Receives Warm Welcome in New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand – August 8: President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro in Wellington. She was welcomed with a traditional Maori ‘Powhiri’ ceremony and given a Guard of Honour.
Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, shared on X, ‘Energising India – New Zealand partnership! President Droupadi Murmu was warmly received by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro at the Government House in Wellington. President was welcomed with a traditional Maori ‘Powhiri’ ceremony. She was also accorded Royal Guard of Honour.’
President Murmu arrived in Wellington on a State visit to New Zealand. Her talks with New Zealand leadership aim to strengthen ties between the two nations.
On Wednesday, President Murmu arrived in New Zealand, the second stop of her three-nation visit. She was received in Auckland by New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay and India’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan. The Indian Embassy in New Zealand shared on X, ‘A warm welcome to President Droupadi Murmu as she arrived in New Zealand today. Warmly received by Minister Todd McClay and HC Neeta Bhushan at Auckland.’
Todd McClay noted that President Murmu’s visit is part of recent government engagements to deepen the relationship between the two nations. He shared on X, ‘An honour on behalf of the New Zealand Government to welcome President Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand today. This visit is one of many recent government engagements to deepen our relationship and boost our strong people-to-people and cultural links.’
During her State visit, President Murmu will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, address an education conference, and interact with the Indian community and friends of India.
Earlier, President Murmu visited Fiji, where she offered prayers at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi and addressed the Indian community. She was conferred with Fiji’s highest civilian award, ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji,’ by President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere. President Murmu called it an honour reflecting the deep ties of friendship between India and Fiji.
President Murmu departed from New Delhi on a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. She will travel to Timor-Leste next, at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta, and hold engagements on August 10.
Doubts Revealed
President Droupadi Murmu -: She is the President of India, which means she is the head of the country.
New Zealand -: New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, known for its beautiful landscapes and Maori culture.
Maori -: The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, meaning they were the first people to live there.
Powhiri ceremony -: A Powhiri is a traditional Maori welcome ceremony that includes speeches, singing, and dancing.
Guard of Honour -: A Guard of Honour is a special group of soldiers who stand in a line to show respect to important visitors.
Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro -: She is the representative of the Queen in New Zealand and helps in the country’s governance.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon -: He is the head of the government in New Zealand, similar to the Prime Minister of India.
education conference -: An education conference is a meeting where people discuss topics related to schools, colleges, and learning.
Fiji -: Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches.
highest civilian award -: This is a special award given to someone for their great service to the country or society.
Timor-Leste -: Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a small country in Southeast Asia.
