The Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia signifies strong bonds of friendship and development cooperation in labour mobility, tourism, trade and investment, health, education and defence, humanitarian assistance, and disaster resilience.
This was articulated at an introductory call from the Chargé d’affaires of the Australian High Commission, Mr John Williams to Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in Suva, yesterday (17/10/22).
Prime Minister Bainimarama said relations between the two nations continue to strengthen through the Vuvale Partnership.
He commended Australia for supporting Fiji during moments of great need, through provisions of budgetary support, lifesaving vaccines, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and health experts, which has enabled Fiji to progressively reopen its borders.
Prime Minister Bainimarama acknowledged Australia’s exemplary partnership with Fiji in the areas of tourism, trade and investment, labour mobility, amongst others.
He said Fiji continues to rebuild stronger by strengthening investment business opportunities and creating more jobs for Fijians within the tourism, trade, investment, and agriculture sectors.
In addition, the Prime Minister acknowledged Australia’s efforts to strengthen labour mobility arrangements through Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and said Fiji looks forward to expanding opportunities for Fijian workers through cooperation, which has benefitted many Fijian families and the Pacific region.
On climate change, Prime Minister Bainimarama commended Australia’s commitment to making climate change a priority, particularly on the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership. Fiji looks forward to working closely with Australia in advancing our shared priorities on climate change during the COP27 in Egypt next month.
In terms of cooperation in regional security, the Prime Minister acknowledged Australia’s support for the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp, which will serve as a Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Centre; for the Pacific region in emergency situations.
In response, Mr Williams thanked Prime Minister Bainimarama for the opportunity to meet in person and also commended his decisive leadership at the global and regional stages.
He reaffirmed Australia’s continued support to work with Fiji in advancing regional interests and priorities.
Signed in 2019, the Vuvale Partnership is based on 5 pillars which are to strengthen people-to-people links, enhance security cooperation, deepen economic relationships, build support on international and regional issues, and foster closer institutional linkages.
