New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro warmly received President Droupadi Murmu, who was welcomed with a traditional Maori "Powhiri" ceremony in Wellington. She was also accorded the Guard of Honour.
She arrived in Wellington on a State visit to New Zealand. President Murmu's substantive talks with the New Zealand leadership aim to give a fillip to ties between the two nations.
On Wednesday, President Murmu arrived in New Zealand, on the second leg 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.
Todd McClay welcomed President Murmu to New Zealand. He noted that President Murmu's visit is one of many recent government engagements to deepen the relationship between the two nations.
During her State visit, President Murmu will hold a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and address an education conference and interact with the Indian community and friends of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
On Wednesday, President Murmu offered prayers at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Fiji's Nadi. She addressed the Indian community in Fiji during an event and hailed the long-standing relationship between India and Fiji while terming the role of the Indian diaspora in the island nation as a "source of inspiration" for the entire world.
President Droupadi Murmu has been conferred with Fiji's highest civilian award, 'Companion of the Order of Fiji.' President Murmu called it an honour that reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.
President Murmu departed from New Delhi on Sunday for a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
In the last leg of her tour, President Murmu will travel to Timor Leste at the invitation of the President of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta, following which she will hold engagements on August 10.
(ANI)