Fiji and Vanuatu have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen development cooperation across key sectors, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Parliament.
“The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed as part of our discussions and bilateral meetings at the recently completed Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Honiara, Solomon Islands,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said the agreement, signed on September 10 with Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, would build on long-standing ties.
“The MOU that was signed … was to enhance the existing friendly relationship between Fiji and Vanuatu, recognising that the stronger economic and development cooperation between the two parties will contribute to the achievement of shared political, economic, environmental and social priorities, including the improvement of the living standards of their respective peoples.”
The Prime Minister noted cooperation between the two nations dated back to Vanuatu’s independence in 1980.
“Since then, we have been cooperating.
“We all know that we have been cooperating with them during their times of natural disasters, not based on any MOU, but just natural affinity, natural care and neighbourly care.”
The new MOU covers trade, investment, tourism, education, labour mobility, transport, health, climate change, agriculture, ICT and sports. It also provides for biennial political consultations and shared funding for joint projects.
Mr Rabuka said port and freight costs remained a challenge for regional trade but could be resolved “if it is brought up to the attention of the Government”.
