look news india
New Delhi, August 8 (HS). President Draupadi Murmu reached Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday on the second leg of her state visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste.
President Murmu was welcomed by New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro at the Government House. She was welcomed with a traditional Maori Pōwhiri ceremony and was accorded a Royal Guard of Honour. During the meeting, the two leaders appreciated the warm and friendly relations between India and New Zealand and discussed cooperation in various fields. They agreed on the need to continue efforts to broaden the scope of India-New Zealand economic relations by establishing mutually supportive cooperation and partnerships, particularly through trade and businesses.
In the next event, the President addressed the New Zealand International Education Conference, where India was selected as the 'Honoured Country' this year.
Speaking on the occasion, the President spoke at length on the rich Indian tradition of the pursuit of knowledge and contemporary advancements in the field of education, including the National Education Policy which aims to transform the Indian education landscape by promoting multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking and global competitiveness.
He said New Zealand is renowned for its high quality education, with a focus on research and innovation, inclusiveness and excellence. Many Indian students are pursuing quality education in various institutions in New Zealand.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also met President Murmu. The two leaders discussed a variety of issues ranging from strengthening cultural ties to commitment to regional and global security.
Earlier, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters also met President Draupadi Murmu. The two leaders acknowledged the progress in bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation.
The President laid a wreath at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Wellington Railway Station and paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro accompanied the President on both occasions.
In the last official event in Wellington, President Draupadi Murmu attended a banquet hosted in her honour by Governor General Kiro. In his address on the occasion, the President said that India and New Zealand have over the years developed a warm and friendly relationship based on shared values rooted in democracy and the rule of law. We both value diversity and inclusiveness, which is evident in the multicultural fabric of our societies.
After the successful completion of official engagements in Wellington, the President left for Auckland, where she will address the Indian community tomorrow.
