Australia says it will come to Fiji’s aid and defend the country if Fiji comes under attack under the newly signed Veitacini Treaty, which establishes an alliance between the two countries.
Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts says the agreement represents the deepest level of commitment and demonstrates the level of trust between Fiji and Australia.
When questioned on Article 6 of the treaty, which deals with mutual defence, Roberts says Fiji and Australia have committed to coming to each other’s aid if either country faces an external threat or attack, following consultation between the two countries.
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He says while the commitment is significant, the relationship feels natural given the long history between the two countries, including Fijians and Australians serving alongside each other in wars and peacekeeping operations.
The High Commissioner says the treaty also includes commitments to democratic processes and provides a framework for the two countries’ militaries to work more closely together.
He says Fiji and Australia already have significant defence cooperation, with about 150 Fijian troops recently returning from exercises in Australia as part of what has become an annual arrangement.
Roberts says senior Fijian military officers also undertake advanced training in Australia, while officers from the two countries are embedded within each other’s forces, which demonstrates a high level of trust between the two countries.
When asked whether the treaty could apply in the event of a political takeover or coup in Fiji, Roberts says an alliance generally deals with external threats.
However, he says the treaty contains a commitment by both countries to democratic processes and that the Fiji-Australia partnership is based on common values, including democracy.
He adds the treaty is also described as the Ocean of Peace Alliance, reflecting Fiji and Australia’s desire for a safe and peaceful Pacific.
He adds both countries want regional security challenges to be addressed in the Pacific way and within the Pacific family which aligns with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s Ocean of Peace concept and the broader regional approach discussed by Pacific Islands Forum leaders.
Roberts says Australia and Fiji have previously demonstrated their ability to respond together to regional security challenges, including peacekeeping efforts in Bougainville and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
He says the two new agreements also demonstrate how important Australia considers its partnership with Fiji and its commitment to the security and prosperity of the Pacific.
