Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji looks forward to the launch of the new Maritime Essential Service Centre which is yet another timely assistance by Australia.
Bainimarama highlighted this while receiving a courtesy call from the Governor-General of Australia David Hurley.
He says the new facility will significantly enhance Fiji and the region’s maritime capabilities.
Bainimarama says that Fiji is grateful for Australia’s assistance in the recently commissioned Black Rock camp in Nadi.
He says this was a demonstration of Australia’s commitment to the advancement of regional defence and security, with opportunities for deeper engagement in humanitarian services and capacity building in peacekeeping.
Bainimarama also acknowledged the two nations’ shared aspirations for climate action and ocean conservation, with assurances for continued partnership in climate and disaster resilience.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for Australia’s assistance towards Fiji’s rebuilding efforts and humanitarian support provided after natural disasters such as Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana.
Bainimarama expressed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to Australia for supporting Fiji in this time of great need, especially the assistance that Australia has provided towards Fiji’s national response to COVID-19.
He says this is the through provisions of life saving vaccines and social support programs, which had enabled Fiji to progress steadily into a recovery phase.
In response, Governor-General Hurley says the past two years have thrown up unprecedented challenges and as Vuvale, we have pulled together.
Hurley congratulated the Government of Fiji for leading a swift and effective response to COVID-19.
He says that he is proud that Australia was able to step up and support Fiji’s health response, and we are now seeing Australian tourists returning to Fiji, and Fiji’s economy is on a trajectory for recovery.
