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The defence minister is meeting with his counterparts in the Pacific to explore opportunities for greater defence cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has embarked on a tour of the Pacific, travelling to the Kingdom of Tonga and Fiji from 17 to 21 October 2022.
This includes participation in the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM), expected to involve discussions on shared threats, key policy developments and collective responses to regional security challenges.
While visiting Tonga, Deputy Prime Minister Marles is also expected to tour regions impacted by the tsunami triggered by an undersea volcanic eruption earlier this year.
Deputy PM Marles will then travel to Fiji, where he is expected to meet with Inia Seruiratu, Fijian Minister of Defence, National Security & Policing, for the annual Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
The visit aims to reaffirm the nations’ shared commitment to the Vuvale partnership.
Marles is also expected to visit the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp.
“Our region is increasingly facing both traditional and non-traditional threats to our shared security,” Deputy PM Marles said.
“The Pacific family is stronger when we respond together, by enhancing coordination, sharing information and improving interoperability between our countries and our defence forces.”
The defence minister went on to stress the importance of building bilateral defence ties.
“Australia and Fiji’s defence relationship is enduring and strong — highlighted by the success of joint exercises, co-deployments, and shared infrastructure projects like the Blackrock Camp,” Deputy PM Marles said.
“I look forward to the opportunity to visit Fiji and meet with Minister Seruiratu again, as we work to enhance our defence partnership.”
