Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka this afternoon held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Tony Burke MP, Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, and Minister responsible for Arts, Cyber Security, Immigration and Citizenship, and Leader of the House of the Australian Parliament.
The meeting provided an opportunity to further discuss key issues aimed at strengthening collaboration on national and regional security through deeper engagements at the operational level between the Fiji Police Force and the Australian Federal Police, Fiji Immigration and the Australian Border Force, the RFMF and the Australian Defence Force and joint initiatives targeting transnational organised crimes and related threats.
Both sides also discussed future collaboration on digital border systems, regional policing networks, and upcoming combine training programs.
During the meeting, PM Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regional security and welcomed Australia’s continued support in upskilling Fiji’s border and security agencies.
He asserted that the partnership between the two nations further reflects our shared responsibility to safeguard the Blue Pacific Continent.
There is clear understanding that cooperation will scale up to meet current and emerging challenges.
He acknowledged Australia’s longstanding support, especially in tackling transnational organised crime, enhancing immigration protocols, and strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
In his response, Minister Burke acknowledged Fiji’s leadership in regional security and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working alongside Fiji to build resilience against emerging threats, including cybercrime, people and drug smuggling and trafficking.
In view of common interests and challenges to both countries, cooperation is fundamental.
He said that the visit will continue to deepen our partnership, which is grounded in trust and mutual respect.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Immigration Hon. Viliame Naupoto, Minister for Policing Hon. Ioane Naivalurua and Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister Dr Lesi Korovavala.
DFAT/ FIJI GOVERNMENT
