Albanese invites Rabuka to visit Australia as a guest of the Australian Government

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invited Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to visit Australia as a guest of the Australian Government at a mutually convenient time in 2023.

In a congratulatory letter conveyed to Rabuka, Albanese says Rabuka can count on Australia as a close friend and partner and adds he looks forward to welcoming Rabuka and further strengthen the bonds between the peoples and governments of the two nations.

Albanese congratulated Rabuka and he reasserted Australia’s commitment to the advancement of the Vuvale Partnership.

Albanese says as discussed during their call on 1st January, he looks forward to working with Rabuka to build on the close cooperation and warm relationship between the two countries under the Vuvale Partnership.

He adds he appreciates the strong and enduring ties between the countries and see many opportunities to work together to strengthen our economies as we recover from the pandemic, enhance our defence and security cooperation, implement real action on climate change, and protect the environment for the next generation.

Albanese says Australia and Fiji also share a fundamental interest in a stable, secure and prosperous region.

He further says the Pacific Islands Forum is more important than ever, and Australia appreciates Fiji’s continuing work as Forum Chair to help restore and strengthen the Forum’s unity.

Albanese adds the Fiji-Australia relationship means a lot to him and has told Rabuka to don’t hesitate to call or message him if there are ever any matters he wishes to discuss.