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The Australian federal government has agreed to sell 14 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Fiji as part of a new “elevated” Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership agreement.
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Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy and Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka were both able to see Australian-made Bushmasters in action and attend Gallipoli Barracks in Queensland.
Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles can deploy up to 10 battle-ready troops, are blast resistant, fully air-conditioned, protected against small arms fire, and have an armoured V-shaped hull to protect its passengers from landmines and other explosive devices.
Each vehicle is usually armed with 5.56 millimetre and 7.62-millimetre machine guns.
“Australia and Fiji are natural friends and close security partners, and in that spirit, I am extremely honoured to welcome Prime Minister Rabuka to Gallipoli Barracks,” Minister Pat Conroy said.
“We are proud to continue to support Fiji’s global peacekeeping contributions by providing additional Bushmasters to Fiji.
“Vuvale is Fijian for family. This agreement, announced on Wednesday, is a tangible demonstration of our renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership, which is based on trust and listening closely to each other.”
The renewed and elevated Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership was signed by prime ministers Rabuka and Anthony Albanese in Canberra, to increase focus on priorities such as climate change action, trade and economic links, and First Nations’ culture.
“We are such very close friends. I just spoke to the prime minister in our one-on-one discussion as well. And Australia appreciates that Fiji Airways flew 13 Australian, along with Fijians and others, out of Tel Aviv this week. And Australia was able to assist 30 Fijians on a commercial flight on Sunday,” said Prime Minister Albanese in a media conference with Prime Minister Rabuka.
“Australia recognises the significant contributions that Fijian peacekeepers make in the Middle East. And you yourself, of course, prime minister, have a proud history as well. And we hope that everyone is able to remain safe.
“The ties between our two governments (Australia and Fiji) have been very strong at leader level. We have had a number of discussions, but also at ministerial level as well.
“We’ve had visits from at least four of our ministers, our foreign minister, our climate change and energy minister, our finance minister and the assistant treasurer have all been able to visit Fiji. Ours is a partnership of equals. One in which we are both part of the Pacific family. And I have already discussed with you the importance of the Pacific Island Forum coming up next month in the Cook Islands in which we can renew the work we’re doing as a Pacific family on ensuring security in our region, ensuring action on climate change, and ensuring, as well, economic prosperity in our region as well. And our partnership and engagement is so important.
“I do want to very much acknowledge your leadership that you’ve shown. At the time of your election as prime minister of Fiji, since then, we have seen the Pacific Island Forum strengthened and come back in a spirit of unity. And you have played an essential role in that.
“I want to thank you, as well, for the support that you expressed for Australia and what we’re doing on our AUKUS arrangements and for the work that we’re doing in the region on the energy transition that’s so important to tackle climate change.
“Today is a glorious day, reflecting every time I have been to Fiji, it’s always been glorious weather just like this. So, you’re very welcome here, sir.”
