Fiji’s first diplomat to the United Nations Satya Nandan has passed away.

Nandan was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)(Fiji)in 1978.

In 1996 he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Nandan was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF)in 2001.

While paying tribute to Nandan via a tweet, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji has lost a titan of diplomacy with the passing of his friend.

Bainimarama says Nandan’s legacy is tied directly to Fiji's independent history adding he will be remembered as a true global citizen, a wise mentor, and a proud son of the Pacific.