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A new legal framework has been established to underpin increased defence and security cooperation between the nations.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has announced the signing of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Fiji, formalising a joint commitment to enhancing defence and security ties.
The agreement was signed by Deputy PM Marles and Fiji’s Minister for Defence, National Security, and Policing and Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu.
The SOFA aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the presence of forces in the partner nation’s sovereign territory.
This includes:
- immigration and custom arrangements;
- protocols for visiting forces to wear uniforms while in the other country; and
- criminal and civil jurisdiction over visiting forces while in the other country.
The SOFA is reciprocal, with the same obligations to apply to both Australia and Fiji.
The bilateral agreement forms part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties under the Vuvale Partnership amid growing instability in the Indo-Pacific.
“I am honoured to have signed the Status of Forces Agreement, which underlines the reciprocal nature and closeness of our partnership with Fiji,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
“We share an interest in a peaceful, secure and resilient Pacific and need to work together to effectively respond to common security challenges — both traditional and non-traditional.”
The Deputy Prime Minister said the nations would build on a strong record of cooperation, which most recently included the deployment of Bula Force to Operation Bushfire Assist and Flood Assist, and the deployment of the Australian Defence Force to Operation Fiji Assist.
“The Status of Forces Agreement will make it easier to deploy to each other’s territories at times of need,” he added.
Minister Seruiratu welcomed the signing of SOFA and reflected on the “strong family bonds” felt between Fiji and Australia.
“The signing of this agreement marks a new height of security cooperation between our two nations,” the Minister said.
“Our security forces train and deploy together in our homes and across the region. This agreement reflects the increased cooperation between our forces to address traditional and non-traditional security threats including climate change, humanitarian crises and disasters.
“Fiji and Australia’s security cooperation forms the bedrock of our Vuvale Partnership and helps maintain regional stability, resilience, and peace.”
The signing of the SOFA forms part of Deputy PM Marles’ tour of the region, which includes a visit to Tonga.
Australia’s role in the South Pacific has come under intense scrutiny this year amid China’s growing presence in the region.
Earlier this year, China struck a security deal with the Solomon Islands, which reportedly includes Chinese commitments to deploy “police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces” personnel to the Solomon Islands.
This would build on existing security ties between the nations, with China previously sending liaison officers and anti-riot equipment to train the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in public order.
The security agreement also reportedly provides China with greater maritime access to the island nation by facilitating, with the consent of the government, ship visits, logistical support and stopovers.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, had also proposed the “China-Pacific Island Countries Common Development Vision”, which offered intermediate and high-level police training for Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, Niue, Vanuatu, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
This was accompanied by a five-year action plan, which calls for ministerial dialogue on law enforcement capacity and police cooperation.
This included the provision of forensic laboratories, cooperation on data networks, cyber security, and smart customs systems.
The plan also advocated for a “balanced approach” on technological progress, economic development and national security — backing a China-Pacific Islands free trade area and joint action on climate change and health.
However, Beijing reportedly withdrew its proposal after it was met with resistance from some Pacific Islands leaders.
[Related: Marles tours Pacific in bid to reinforce defence ties]
