Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is leading a government delegation in his first Guest of Government visit to Australia yesterday.
According to the Government, the visit marks a crucial step to further strengthening Fiji and Australia’s bilateral relations and cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, health and education, labour mobility and regional solidarity, as supported in the Vuvale partnership.
Mr Rabuka was invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and is his first official visit to the ‘Land Down Under’ following last year’s general elections.
The Government stated the PM would carry out a series of formal engagements and bilateral meetings, including meeting the Fijian communities in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane.
He will also be signing the revised ‘Vuvale Partnership’ after the bilateral meeting between himself and Mr Albanese on Wednesday, October 18.
The Government stated Mr Rabuka would also reiterate his commitment to fostering peace in the Pacific, a cause that gained momentum during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Fiji and Australia are traditional partners and we value our commitment to strengthen the Vuvale Partnership. Fiji will reaffirm efforts to build a strong and sustainable future for our people and the Pacific,” Mr Rabuka was quoted as saying in the statement.
The PM also looks forward to meeting Fijian seasonal workers in Australia under the Fiji-Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
