16 January, 2026, 3:54 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Fiji and NZ sign Status of Forces Agreement to strengthen relationship

Fiji and NZ sign Status of Forces Agreement to strengthen relationship

By Marika Rasekaseka
14/06/2023
Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua (right) and New Zealand Minister of Defence Andrew Little (left) [Photo:Fiji Government]

A Status of Forces Agreement between Fiji's Ministry of Home Affairs and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence was again signed this morning to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

While signing the Agreement, Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua says Fiji and New Zealand's relationship are founded on the long history of mutual respect and understanding that unite our values, geography, history and culture.

Tikoduadua says the relationship between the two countries is demonstrated through the Duavata partnership that was signed last year.

He says the Agreement will also provide a framework that will support both Military Forces in joint defence activities.

During the signing of the agreement, the two Ministers spoke on some policy development and shared some valuable issues related to bilateral relations.

The Ministers also touched on regional security issues and the importance of Pacific regionalism, recognizing the achievement shared for the peace and prosperity of the Pacific region.

New Zealand Minister of Defence Andrew Little says the nations of the Pacific have been facing several security challenges like climate change that need more hands to work together to mitigate its effects.

Little says from these effects, the New Zealand Government has provided assistance to Fiji when cyclone Winston left a trail of destruction, and Fiji also provided vital support to New Zealand in response to cyclone Gabrielle.

Tikoduadua says the relationship between the two countries is demonstrated through the Duavata partnership that was signed last year.

FEATURE NEWS
Family in Nakasi seeks justice over treatment at Nakasi Health Centre
A family in Nakasi is seeking justice after their family members were allegedly not accorded proper medical assistance after visiting the Nakasi Healt...
11 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
UTOF pays out $8.349 million in dividends to 108,000 account holders
Good news as Unit Trust of Fiji has today processed and paid out a total of $8.349 million in dividends to 108,000 account holders across the ...
10 hours ago

Drug and gang accused in Australia, Buadomo and Vatuwaqa remain in custody
Two men Cyprian Buadomo and Aisea Vatuwaqa who were charged by NSW Police after a drug raid in Sydney in October last year, remain in custody and ...
10 hours ago

PS Justice Kuruleca to be part time Acting PS for Women
Permanent Secretary for Justice, Selina Kuruleca will assume responsibility as Acting Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection ...
11 hours ago

Pacific Polytech Chair rejects Maharaj’s call to halt funding
Following a call by Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj to halt future grants to Pacific Polytech, and allegations regarding staff ...
11 hours ago

PRF raises concerns over proposed Waste-to-Energy plant in Vuda
The Pacific Recycling Foundation is calling for transparency on how recycling will be prioritised under the proposed Waste-to-Energy project at Vuda ...
11 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
13 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
24 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
25 days ago

TOP