Of the more than 1 million visitors to Fiji last year, 45% of them were from Australia - Rabuka

Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka says of the historic over one million visitors to Fiji last year, more than 45 percent of them came from Australia.

Rabuka highlighted this during his visit to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sam Mostyn at Government House in Canberra.

He says tourism was another focus of their discussion and he shared that tourism remains the backbone of our economic partnership and the Fijian economy.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Fijian community in Australia, which is estimated at around 70,000 people.

He says their remittances and investments are a great help to our economy and our families back home.

Rabuka says they spoke about the strong friendship and partnership between Fiji and Australia under the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.

He says he shared his appreciation for Australia’s continued support towards Fiji’s development, especially through budget assistance, economic reforms, private sector growth, and infrastructure investments that help improve the lives of our people.

The Prime Minister says they also talked about the importance of sports in bringing our nations closer together.

He commended initiatives like the inaugural Vuvale Bowl rugby match between Australia and Fiji, and the sponsorship by Fiji Airways of major Australian teams, including the ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Storm.

Rabuka welcomed the growing links with the Australian Football League, after his meeting in February with representatives of the St Kilda Football Club in Suva.

On regional matters, Rabuka repeated Fiji’s support for Australia’s bid to host COP31.

He says this is an important chance for the Pacific to have a strong voice in global climate action.

Rabuka also shared Fiji’s commitment to regional solidarity through the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara, where I look forward to the endorsement of the “Ocean of Peace” Declaration.

He says the Governor-General thanked him for the opportunity to meet and discuss how they can continue working together with respect and trust.

The Prime Minister says they both reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the priorities of our Blue Pacific Continent.