SUVA, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Fijians gathered at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city, on Monday to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Fiji's independence.
Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, government ministers and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the celebrations including a grand parade followed by a 21-gun salute.
In a message delivered on Monday, Prime Minister Bainimarama said that Fiji's 52nd independence anniversary celebration marked the island nation's unity.
As Fiji celebrated 52 years of independence, people must remember that their strength lies in their unity, he said.
"We will celebrate the inclusive and united Fiji we have forged today, a change we undertook and achieved in our recent history that I will do everything possible to see preserved through all the years ahead," the prime minister noted.
He said if Fijians seek to deepen the bond that links them, they should continue the efforts to move their nation forward towards a brighter future.
Fiji, a Pacific island nation with a population of around 900,000, gained its independence from the British rule in 1970. ■