President praises RFMF service on 72nd birthday

On his 72nd birthday today, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu praised members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) for their service to the nation and the world.

He shared this when the RFMF senior officers gathered at State House this morning to celebrate his birthday.

As Commander-in-Chief of the RFMF, the President was joined by the Commander of the RFMF, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai; Regimental Colonel of the Second Fiji Infantry Regiment, Brigadier-General Apakuki Kurusiga; senior officers; and senior non-commissioned officers.

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu with First Lady Emily Lalabalavu on December 23, 2025.

Photo: DEPTFO News

Members of the President’s immediate family were also present.

On behalf of the Commander of the RFMF, the Commander of the Fiji Navy, Captain Timoci Natuva, proposed a toast conveying birthday wishes and congratulations to the Head of State.

Addressing officers and soldiers, Ratu Naiqama thanked them for the continued service and commitment of RFMF members to the nation.

He also commended Major-General Kalouniwai for his leadership and acknowledged the successful parade of the First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (1FIR) at Albert Park yesterday.

Members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

Photo: DEPTFO News

The parade marked the conclusion of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), ending 21 years of service by 1FIR in that theatre.

The President recalled requesting the Prime Minister to receive the tabua presented by the Commanding Officer of the 1FIR 26th Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Naivalu.

He said that the tabua was originally presented in 2004 by the late former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to farewell the first 1FIR battalion deployed to UNAMI, which was led by Colonel Ratu Meli Saubulinayau.

The President also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline within the RFMF and for every Fijian serving in the British, U.S., Australian or New Zealand military.

He reaffirmed the need for Officers and all ranks to consistently uphold discipline and abide by rules of engagement in the execution of duties.