Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka today visited the Australian Border Force (ABF) Headquarters in Canberra as part of efforts to further deepen Fiji’s cooperation with Australia on border management, countering transnational organised crime, maritime and cyber security, and regional security efforts.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the strong and longstanding partnership between the two nations, particularly in the areas of law enforcement, security management and coordination of combined operations.
The Prime Minister and his delegation were warmly received by the Commissioner of the ABF, Mr Gavin Reynolds AO, with his leadership team who updated the Fijian delegation on their operations.
During the visit, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening Fiji’s security assets and capabilities and safeguarding the Pacific region from evolving and emerging multidimensional security threats.
Fiji looks forward to stepping up its cooperation with Australia in the areas of policing, defence, security, migration management and border protection.
Both sides recognised the increasing intensity and complexity of transnational organised crime through the maritime and air domains.
The application of functional responses under international law is fundamental to neutralising these threats while holding up the integrity of the country’s status as a preferred destination for tourism and investment.
The engagement of the three Cabinet Ministers – Police, Immigration and Defence and Veterans Affairs – in their specific responsibilities- proved crucial to bolstering leadership, combine planning, stewardship of resourcing and coordination of efforts.
The Prime Minister concluded by saying that Fiji is committed to working closely with Australia to uphold peace, stability, and security across the wider Pacific region.
