Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected suggestions that the newly signed Vuvale Union Treaty is driven by Australia's efforts to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific, insisting the agreement is about strengthening a longstanding partnership with Fiji.
Responding to the media in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka following the signing of the Vuvale Union Treaty and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, Albanese says the alliance builds on decades of defence cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries.
He says the agreement elevates an already close relationship to the highest level of strategic partnership.
Insert: Albanese - All about alliance July 07
He notes that Rabuka and several members of his Cabinet had undertaken military training in Australia and says the two countries had stood side by side on peacekeeping missions for many years.
He also clarified the treaty's mutual defence commitment, saying Article 6 provides that if Fiji is attacked by an external force, Australia will provide its full support.
Rabuka also addressed concerns about Fiji's sovereignty under the new alliance, saying the country's independence remains protected under international law and through its regional partnerships.
Rabuka says Fiji's membership of the United Nations, together with its relationships in the Pacific, provides confidence that its sovereignty will be respected.
Insert: Rabuka - Ensure that our sovereignty is respected July 07
The Vuvale Union Treaty and Ocean of Peace Alliance is a major partnership agreement between Australia and Fiji focused on strengthening economic ties, security cooperation, and government collaboration.
The treaty is backed by more than $1.5 billion in investment over the next decade, including $1.05 billion in grants and $550 million in concessional loans.
It includes $284 million to strengthen policing and combat transnational crime and illicit drugs, $158 million to improve healthcare and respond to the HIV crisis, $778 million for infrastructure projects such as ports and flood protection, $146.3 million for digital transformation, and $57.5 million to strengthen economic resilience.
The agreement also expands opportunities for Fijians through improved visa access, $46 million to support student access to Australian universities from 2029, $35 million for sports development, including rugby union, and $15.5 million to strengthen cultural and faith-based ties.
