Fiji and Australia will strengthen defense and security operation building on the momentum to construct facilities for peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women Marise Payne highlighted in an interview during her three day visit to Fiji.
She the two countries are developing a hub facility for peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to support the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) who are involved in those activities with regional focus.”
To this end, Minister Payne visited RFMF’s Blackrock facility in Nadi on yesterday.
“This is my first visit Fiji after my reappointment as Australia’s Foreign Minister, I have had productive discussions with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs Inia Seruiratu.”
“This is an opportunity to come to family-Vuvale partnership here in Fiji which is very important one.”
Ms. Payne also commended Fiji’s efforts in combating and addressing climate change at the regional level.
“Australia will continue to support Fiji’s lead role under Prime Minister Bainimarama and the Government of Fiji. I know his international leadership in COP23 and the holding of the CAPP meeting recently indicative of the strength of Fiji’s leadership.”
“Australia has clearly enunciated that we will meet our agreements and requirements under the Paris Agreement and we will work closely with our neighbours in the Pacific in terms of ensuring that we are providing development assistance and support.”
“We incorporate climate resilience, disaster resilience and all of that in our infrastructure partnership arrangements around transport, water, energy and others.”
The visit by Minister Payne recognizes the renewed commitment of the two nations to strengthen the 'Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership,' which was declared during the historic visit by the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in January this year.
The two governments are currently working on finalising the Vuvale Partnership Agreement.