Fiji and Australia are determined to strengthen development cooperation in an extensive number of shared priorities including economic recovery, climate change, infrastructure, health and education, trade and tourism, aviation, defence and security, labour mobility, capacity building, and regional solidarity.
This was discussed during an introductory call with the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua from Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Ewen McDonald.
The meeting highlighted the importance of the Vuvale Partnership, and the work being done to ensure the Partnership reflects the vision, goals and priorities of the governments of both nations.
Hon. Qereqeretabua thanked High Commissioner McDonald for the Australian Government’s unwavering commitment and tremendous support to Fiji and the region.
She reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to work closely with Australia in advancing Fiji’s socioeconomic development priorities and also in building regional peace, prosperity and solidarity.
At the same time, Hon. Qereqeretabua congratulated High Commissioner McDonald on his appointment as Australian High Commissioner to Fiji and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs.
Hon. Qereqeretabua expressed confidence that during the High Commissioner’s tenure, Fiji-Australia relations would reach new heights.
In response, High Commissioner McDonald said, “I was very pleased to meet with Minister Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua today, and to discuss the work priorities Australia and Fiji are doing together as Vuvale.”
“We also discussed the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ meeting, held at the Secretariat in Suva.
“I congratulated the Assistant Minister on the important role she played, both for Fiji and in the region, as Fiji’s representative at the meeting, ahead of the Leaders’ meeting in Cook Islands in November” he continued.
The revised and elevated Vuvale Partnership signifies a landmark achievement in the development of Fiji and Australia relations, and will be formally signed by both Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the coming months.
