SUVA, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged all Fijians to embrace unity, peace, and progress as the nation celebrates 55 years of independence.

Delivering his Fiji Day message on Friday, Rabuka reflected on Fiji's nationhood journey, honoring the vision and sacrifices of the country's founding leaders who laid the foundation for an independent Fiji in 1970.

This year's celebration is held under the theme "Peace, Unity and Progress for All," which is not just a reflection of Fiji's past but a commitment to a shared and inclusive future, Rabuka said.

The prime minister also reaffirmed his government's focus on inclusive rural development, improved healthcare, and access to quality education.

He said the government is investing in hospital upgrades, deploying more medical professionals, and expanding the Free Medicine Scheme to ensure equitable health services.

On national and regional security, Rabuka said Fiji continues to strengthen its defense and law enforcement institutions to confront modern challenges such as cybercrime and transnational crime.

He also praised the courage of Fijian peacekeepers serving around the world and reaffirmed Fiji's enduring role as a champion of global peace, underscored by the recent Ocean of Peace Declaration endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.

The Fiji Day celebration in Suva kicked off on Friday morning with a march from the Flea Market to Albert Park.

The event featured a 21-gun salute by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, followed by the review of the military parade. ■