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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Fijian Minister for National Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs Inia Seruiratu have met in Perth for the first official Australia-Fiji Defence Ministers’ meeting.
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At the inaugural meeting, the two countries re-affirmed their mutual commitment to maritime security and to strengthening Defence co-operation in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, engineering initiatives and land forces.
Minister Reynolds explained, "This dialogue, which will now be held annually, underscores the strength of our security co-operation, which is a fundamental pillar of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership signed by prime ministers Morrison and Bainimarama in Canberra in September."
The Vuvale Partnership marks a new era of elevated co-operation based on trust, respect and understanding, and the inaugural Defence Ministers’ Meeting provides a forum to engage as partners and family.
"Our maritime co-operation will be further enhanced by the delivery of Fiji’s Guardian Class patrol boat in March 2020, under the Morrison government’s $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program, as well as major upgrades to the Stanley Brown Wharf in Suva to support this new vessel," Minister Reynolds said.
Australia is also supporting Fiji’s defence facilities through the redevelopment of Blackrock Camp in Nadi and the design of the Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva.
Minister Reynolds added, "I accompanied Minister Seruiratu to Austal Shipyard in Henderson to inspect Fiji’s new Guardian Class patrol boat, the RFNS Savenaca, which is under construction."
The Australia-Fiji relationship continues to grow through regular and direct personal contact between prime ministers, ministers and senior officials. Both prime ministers have expressed their intention to continue to progress the Vuvale Partnership and further develop the close ties that bind Australia and Fiji.
Both prime ministers have expressed their commitment to work in partnership as regional leaders to ensure the Pacific prospers as a secure, stable and sovereign region.
