- Bula Vina’a, Ladies and Gentlemen – members of the media,
- It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honorable Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defence Industry, Honorable Pat Conroy, to Suva.
- This visit reflects the strength, maturity, and depth of the Fiji–Australia partnership, and our shared commitment to advancing a stable, secure, and prosperous Blue Pacific.
Pacific Island Forum and the Region
- I want to be clear that Fiji stands with the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ decisions and the processes the region has in place to manage the issues confronting us today.
- In particular, Fiji had expressed its support for the Biketawa Declaration as the framework to coordinate our response to the current fuel crisis.
Vuvale Union
- Our discussions today reaffirmed the significant progress made on the Vuvale Union, Fiji’s first ever, its formal process, now nearing completion. This represents a huge step up in our relationship. I acknowledge the officials of both our countries in the work they undertook in getting us to where we are today. I thank Australia for your understanding and willingness to embrace Fiji in this journey.
- I firmly believe that the foundation of our Vuvale Partnership — anchored in shared values – is fit for the century. It is designed to deliver enduring outcomes across security, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
- Importantly, the Vuvale Union operationalises the Ocean of Peace vision, embedding the principles of sovereignty, respect, and Pacific-led solutions into a practical cooperative framework.
- It positions Fiji and Australia as trusted partners, working together to strengthen resilience, safeguard stability, and advance the collective interests of our region.
Security Cooperation
- Security is a central pillar in our partnership. Fiji continues to address increasingly complex transnational threats, particularly the rise in illicit drug activity.
- I believe that through coordination between our national security agencies, and with the valued support of Australian partner, we are enhancing our capacity in intelligence sharing, law enforcement cooperation, and operational response.
- Aa a hub, we understand the responsibilities that come with border security, the utility of a regional intelligence led response to our maritime domain to disrupt drug vessel and the follow-on work required to dismantle these transnational organised networks.
- I believe the Maritime Essential Services Centre in Lami is a useful coordination centre for activities that cover the region.
- This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to protecting our communities and upholding peace and stability in line with our Ocean of Peace principles.
Economic Cooperation & Energy Security
- We also discussed the ongoing global fuel crisis, which continues to apply pressure on small and vulnerable economies.
- I appreciate Australia for taking a regional approach in your efforts to ensure fuel supplies into our region is sustained.
- Fiji has a responsibility, as you do, to other Pacific islands countries, a responsibility that we take seriously, and we would like to honour.
- Fiji has been actively pursuing measures to secure stable supply, and we acknowledge that this challenge requires coordinated regional and international responses.
- We take confidence in the solidarity of our partnership and in our shared resolve to navigate this period together.
Pre-COP31
- Looking ahead, we welcome Australia’s leadership role in COP31, in partnership with Türkiye.
- Fiji is honoured to host the pre-COP31 meeting later this year, which will serve as a critical platform to shape the global climate agenda. It will enable us to consolidate Pacific priorities, build consensus, and provide the political momentum needed to deliver ambitious outcomes on climate action, finance, and ocean protection.
- This is an important opportunity for Pacific leadership to influence global decisions that directly impact our future.
Conclusion
- In closing, I extend Fiji’s sincere appreciation to our Australian Vuvale for our continued partnership and friendship.
- Together, we are stronger, and we remain committed to advancing a peaceful, resilient, and united Pacific region.
Vinaka vakalevu.
