PRIME Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Fiji and the Pacific region following his reelection in May.
While meeting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Nadi yesterday for bilateral discussions, Mr Anthony said visiting the Pacific was one of his priorities after winning a second term.
“Visiting Fiji so soon after the election is a deliberate decision to reinforce my Government’s Pacific priorities and to exchange views with my dear friend Prime Minister Rabuka, a respected Pacific statesman,” he said.
“Australia understands that our prosperity and our security lies here in the Pacific and we are committed to being a full, respectful member of the Pacific family. We recognise the critical leadership role that Fiji plays in the region. This is particularly important in this time of global uncertainty.
“Prime Minister Rabuka and I discussed the significant impact of climate change internationally and particularly in the Pacific region, and Australia’s important COP31 bid in partnership with the Pacific.
“We also worked on preparation and themes for this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, to be hosted by Solomon Islands in September.”
During their bilateral discussions, 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.
Mr Rabuka congratulated Mr Albanese on his reelection and reiterated Fiji’s strong commitment to further advance bilateral relations and regional cooperation between the two nations.
