DEFENCE Minister Pio Tikoduadua says Fiji has deepened its alliance with Australia through the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.
Mr Tikoduadua told Parliament on Thursday they were in the final stages of signing a Status of Forces Agreement with the United States of America.
“And we have developed a new and promising security relationship with the Republic of India,” he said. “These relationships have enhanced our military capabilities, ensured access to world-class training and strengthened our abilities to address modern security challenges.
“I would also like to take this time to especially thank the outgoing High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji and the Pacific Envoy, His Excellency Ewan McDonald, for all he has done for Fiji, her Government and her people.”
He said the ministry had undertaken the most comprehensive review of Fiji’s national security and defence policies in decades.
“This process has ensured that our security framework reflects modern threats and challenges, while reinforcing democratic governance and civilian oversight of security institutions.
“The NSDR sets the long-term vision for national security and is already shaping our policies and operational frameworks.
“On the National Security Strategy (NSS), with the NSDR completed, this strategy operationalises the key priorities outlined in the NSDR, ensuring that our security efforts are proactive and well-coordinated.
“The NSS represents a whole-of-government approach to security, aligning our military, law enforcement, and civilian agencies towards a shared vision of national resilience.”
