Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed disappointment with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for recommending that ratification of two major agreements with Australia be deferred, signalling that the Government will pursue an alternative parliamentary route to advance the proposed partnerships.
The committee has warned that the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, also known as the Veitacini Treaty, could have significant implications for Fiji’s sovereignty, independent foreign policy and national security.
Committee Chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua said the committee had recommended further negotiations with Australia before the agreements proceed, citing concerns over their legal, constitutional, financial and strategic implications.
However, Rabuka said the Government intended to move a motion in Parliament seeking support for the proposed international association and cooperation arrangements, which he believes would bring significant benefits to Fiji.
“Very disappointed. We are going to take another route in Parliament and move a motion and ask Parliament to give its view on an international association and cooperation that will help Fiji a lot,” Rabuka said.
The committee acknowledged that both agreements presented opportunities to strengthen economic development, infrastructure, health, education, climate resilience and regional cooperation.
However, it maintained that these potential benefits must be weighed against the implications for Fiji’s national interests.
On the proposed Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, the committee questioned whether closer economic and institutional integration could affect Fiji’s ability to maintain independent relationships with other development partners.
It also raised concerns about safeguarding critical infrastructure and sovereign data, ensuring transparency around the proposed 10-year work plan and clarifying the financial commitments associated with the arrangements.
The committee’s recommendations place the Government’s proposed agreements under further parliamentary scrutiny as it seeks to secure support for deeper cooperation with Australia.
