Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held productive discussions with the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Defence Industry Pat Conroy Monday
The meeting which took place at the margins of the 3rd FIPIC Summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, provided a fresh impetus to Fiji and Australia’s Vuvale Partnership.
Discussions at the meeting covered important aspects of the partnership, particularly in the areas of economic development, labour mobility, sports diplomacy, health and education, defence and security, climate resilience.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged Australia’s support to Fiji, notably through the recent budget support of AUD $10million (US$6.6 million) for the Fiji Cyclone Recovery Programme to rebuild schools in the Northern division.
He also thanked Australia for their ongoing support towards regional solidarity and their efforts towards the implementation of the 2050 strategy for the Pacific.
In response, Minister Conroy thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for the opportunity to meet and discuss areas of collaboration between the two countries.
He said as traditional partners, Fiji and Australia have so much potential to build a resilient and sustainable future for the well-being of our peoples and that of the Pacific family.
SOURCE: FIJI GOVT/PACNEWS
