The Vuvale Partnership has contributed tremendously to Fiji’s recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic – PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the visit by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles signifies the enduring partnership and strong friendship between the two nations.

Bainimarama made this comment while receiving a courtesy call from Marles.

The PM says the Vuvale Partnership has contributed tremendously to Fiji’s recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic and Fiji is grateful to Australia for all its assistance.

On the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme, Bainimarama says Fiji looks forward to Australia’s support to further increase employment opportunities in this important area of cooperation which benefits many Fijian workers and families in the Pacific.

He commended Australia’s commitment to tackle climate change and said the two nations will continue to build the momentum in the lead up to the global climate conference, COP27 which will be held in Egypt next month.

Bainimarama adds the Blackrock Camp is a landmark achievement of the Fiji-Australia joint security efforts and it will now operate as a Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Centre- contributing immensely to regional humanitarian disaster responses in years to come.

The PM also says the Pacific is not immune to the impact of the crisis unfolding in Ukraine and the escalation of the human and economic costs, adding that Fiji stands in solidarity with Australia and other like-minded nations in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

Speaking on regional updates, Bainimarama in his capacity as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum extended his heartfelt thanks to Australia for supporting regional unity and the solidarity of the Blue Pacific Family.

In his response, Marles says as neighbours and friends, Australia’s relationship with Fiji is of utmost importance.

He says the two nations are destined to be close and he feels that Fiji and Australia are as closer today than they have ever been.

Marles adds they share an interest in a peaceful, secure and resilient Pacific, and are committed to working together to respond to common security challenges.