Albanese receives Fiji's highest honour

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was yesterday conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the country's highest national honour, by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House in Suva.

President Ratu Naiqama, Chancellor of the Order of Fiji, said the honour recognised Mr Albanese's "outstanding leadership and enduring commitment" to the Fiji-Australia relationship.

"Our communities, our diaspora, our students and our workers, and our families who move between our shores enrich both our societies," he said.

Mr Albanese described the honour as humbling.

"I am indeed humbled by accepting this... I accepted on behalf of Australia as well," he said.

Ratu Naiqama said the honour recognised Mr Albanese's efforts to elevate cooperation between the two countries across culture, diplomacy, education, health, aviation, investment, trade, economic development, defence and security, environment and sports.

Chief Justice Salesi Temo, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the ceremony.