Bainimarama conveys his appreciation to Aust PM for continued support

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has conveyed his appreciation to Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison for Australia’s unprecedented commitment and support to Fiji's response and recovery from COVID-19.

During a telephone conversation with his counterpart, Bainimarama conveyed his gratitude to Morrison for the support.

Australia has supported Fiji through direct budget support of approximately $55 million. Moreover, Fiji received 10,000 doses of Australian-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine and Personal Protection Equipment from Australia last week and further 10,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Australia arrived into Nadi last night.

Fiji has also received the third delivery of vaccine doses under the COVAX facility, which is supported by the Australian Government.

Morrison committed to providing 1 million vaccines and Australia will also provide the delivery timetable to Fiji in the next couple of weeks.

Bainimarama says this swift assistance from the Australian Government will strengthen Fiji’s vaccination rollout and enhance Fiji’s response to COVID-19.

Since March 2020, Australia has supported Fiji’s COVID-19 responses through direct budget support and procurement of PPE, lab equipment which equates to AUD$84.275 million. In addition, AUD$20 million was directed towards rehabilitation work following Tropical Cyclone Yasa and TC Ana.

This is separate from the assistance provided by the Australian Government through the deployment of the HMAS Adelaide to help rebuild infrastructure in affected communities.