AUSTRALIA does not want to dictate but rather cooperate with Fiji, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
While speaking to local media on Friday evening following a lengthy discussion with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Denarau, Mr Rabuka said Australia remained an important partner of Fiji’s growth and development.
“It is always good to welcome the Prime Minister and leaders of Australia who are instrumental,” he said.
“They have been the pillars of Fiji’s stability and growth.
“They just want to cooperate with what we have in our program.
“They do not want to dictate; they want to cooperate.”
When asked if Australia was offering anything new in terms of Fiji’s development, Mr Rabuka said their bilateral discussions did not involve any new deals.
“They have not said that, and we have not asked.
“We have just told them what we are doing, and they will determine where they could come in.”
Mr Rabuka also confirmed discussions did not focus on Fiji’s relationship with China.
Mr Albanese touched down at the Nadi International Airport on Friday afternoon for a brief bilateral meeting with Mr Rabuka before travelling to the United States.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the advancement of the Vuvale Partnership and the two countries’ shared goal of regional peace, security and prosperity.
They also reflected on the success of the elevated Vuvale Partnership – the positive impacts of the initiatives implemented at regional and domestic level and the enormous potential to amplify the cooperation, ahead.
