Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, has arrived in Fiji for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening defence and security ties under the Vuvale Partnership.
During his visit from October 2–4, Mr Marles will meet with Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, and attend the official opening of the Australian-funded Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva.
The new multi-agency facility houses the Republic of Fiji Navy Headquarters, the Hydrographic Office, Rescue Coordination Centre, and Suva Radio Coastal Station.
It is designed to enhance Fiji’s maritime response capabilities, support local fisheries protection, coordinate disaster response, and combat transnational crime.
“Our defence relationship with Fiji continues to grow, with increased interoperability between our forces,” said Mr Marles.
“Australia is proud to support the development of this vital centre, which will significantly strengthen Fiji’s maritime coordination efforts.”
“We are committed to working with our Pacific family to uphold common values, so we can make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations,”
