Fiji and Australia’s Vuvale Partnership under review

Fiji and Australia’s Vuvale Partnership is being reviewed to realign it to the priorities of the countries as there has been a change in leadership in both countries since the partnership was signed.

Government says Vuvale Partnership is being reviewed to strengthen engagements in important areas of development such as economic and trade, labour mobility, skills development and visa access, climate change actions, infrastructure, development priorities, defence and security cooperation, and regional cooperation.

The discussions undertaken through the two-day senior officials meeting was co-chaired today by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala and Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald.

Dr. Korovavala says there is a need to realign the architecture of the Vuvale Partnership, to ensure its agility, realistic engagements and sustainability of outcomes are in line with the governments’ objectives.

He says they need to look at priorities from the standpoint of the new governments, to strengthen monitoring and evaluation, while some priorities need reworking to shape it in ways that is targeted.

Dr. Korovavala says they are aware of the importance of their meeting and what the relationship means to the wider Pacific family that calls for deeper cooperation and accountability.

He adds they are looking at issues that are current and emerging, impactful and sustainable; that raises their ability to deliver services, that in turn raises the quality of life of the peoples.

Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald says the Australian Government was pleased to undertake this timely review to further deepen their cooperation to new levels. He says Australia’s relationship with Fiji is deep and enduring and they need to ensure that the Vuvale Partnership is delivering for both our nations.

McDonald says this means ensuring it is fit for purpose to boost economic growth, increase people-to-people links and support the peace and prosperity of our region.

He has also commended Fiji’s strong leadership at the global and regional arena on prioritizing issues like climate change, economic sustainability and inclusivity.