Fiji and Australia have committed to strengthening their defence and security cooperation.
This was revealed during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rabuka thanked Marles for visiting the Blackrock Camp Facility in Nadi, the culmination of a joint effort by Fiji and Australia on the security and defence of the two countries.
The Australian Government through its Department of Defence funded the world-class security training facility which was opened last year.
On security cooperation, Prime Minister Rabuka said he is pleased with the depth and maturity of the cooperation and strategic partnership in defence and security, including border and maritime security.
However, he said with the evolving global security threats, both countries need to be proactive and work together on strengthening our cooperation in security intelligence, cyber-security, defence review and police cooperation.
Prime Minister Rabuka also acknowledged Australia for the provision of 14 additional Protected Mobility Vehicles (Bushmasters) to support Fiji’s international peacekeeping operations.
He welcomed Australia’s responsiveness to Fiji ‘s needs and acknowledged that this supports the country’s ambitions in the security sector.
Marles said Australia and Fiji’s defence relationship is enduring and strong; a key pillar in the Vuvale Partnership.
He said the Vuvale Partnership continues to grow, highlighting that the two countries will further advance discussions on defence and security.
SOURCE: FIJI GOVT/PACNEWS
