Australia has pledged stronger support for Fiji in tracking persons of interest and combating transnational crime as part of the proposed Vuvale Union.
Speaking in Suva yesterday after meeting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said security cooperation would be a central pillar of the partnership, aligned with the region’s “Ocean of Peace” concept.
“This is a shared threat throughout the region, but the threat has been magnified in Fiji in recent events,” Mr Conroy said.
He reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Fiji in tackling drug trafficking and organised crime.
“We are committed to combatting transnational crime and eliminating drug smuggling in our region,” he said.
Mr Conroy announced new financial support for Fiji to acquire an integrated border management system aimed at tracking persons of interest, strengthening the country’s ability to monitor and respond to cross-border threats.
“Transnational crime is not just about illegal goods like drugs — it’s about transnational criminals, and we are investing in systems to help track them,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing joint efforts, including Operation Nautilus, which has resulted in the seizure of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine, as well as investments to strengthen Fiji’s maritime and border security.
These include the provision of two Guardian-class patrol boats and an $83 million investment in the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre.
Mr Conroy said enhanced coordination at national, bilateral and regional levels would be key to disrupting criminal networks.
“This is a priority of the Vuvale Union and we must work together to combat and disrupt criminal operations,” he said.
The proposed agreement is expected to deepen security ties between Fiji and Australia as both countries respond to growing regional threats.
