Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka today (13.06.25) welcomed Australian Prime Minister, Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, for an official visit to Fiji.
The visit marks the first meeting between the two leaders following Prime Minister Albanese’s recent reelection.
During their bilateral discussions, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the advancement of the Vuvale Partnership and the two countries’ shared goal of regional peace, security and prosperity.
They also reflected on the success of the elevated Vuvale Partnership – the positive impacts of the initiatives implemented at the regional and domestic levels and the enormous potential to amplify the cooperation ahead.
Prime Minister Rabuka congratulated Prime Minister Albanese on his landslide victory in the recent Australian Federal election and reiterated Fiji’s strong commitment to further advance bilateral relations and regional cooperation between the two nations.
Prime Minister Rabuka also thanked the Australian Government for its ongoing support towards Fiji’s development and Australia’s unwavering commitment to regional solidarity of the Pacific family.
PM Albanese said he welcomed the critical leadership role that Fiji plays to ensure unity and stability in the Pacific region.
“Visiting Fiji so soon after the election is a deliberate decision to reinforce my Government’s Pacific priorities and to exchange views with my dear friend Prime Minister Rabuka, a respected Pacific statesman.
“Australia understands that our prosperity and our security lie here in the Pacific, and we are committed to being a full, respectful member of the Pacific family. We recognise the critical leadership role that Fiji plays in the region. This is particularly important in this time of global uncertainty.
“Prime Minister Rabuka and I discussed the significant impact of climate change internationally and particularly in the Pacific region and Australia’s important COP31 bid in partnership with the Pacific.
“We also worked on preparation and themes for this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, to be hosted by Solomon Islands in September.”
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing their commitment to the solidarity and prosperity of our Pacific family.
Australia and Fiji have a strong relationship with deepened engagements in crucial areas including trade and tourism, economic development, health, education, labour mobility, infrastructure, defence and security, climate change, good governance and gender equality.