The relationship between Fiji and Australia has never been better, says Australian deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
Speaking about his visit at a media roundtable in Suva last week, Mr Marles said his visit had been “really fantastic and heartwarming”.
“I don’t think the relationship between Australia and Fiji has ever been in a better place,” he said.
“I say that both as a result of the meeting that I had with the Attorney-General (Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum) today as well as the fantastic bilateral meeting that we had yesterday (last Thursday) with minister Seruiratu –the Defence Minister and the signing of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
“It is a really significant step, it’s actually a rare step for us. We don’t have many Status of Forces Agreements with countries around the world. To focus on that for a moment, the reason it is significant is it facilitates, in an ongoing sense, the ability for the Fijian defence forces to be operating out of Australia and equally for the Australian defence force to be operating here.
“It’s a statement of intent from both countries about the extent to which we want to do that. I think that speaks to the broader relationship. Yes, defence is a very strong component of bilateral relationships but you see it across all aspects of Government and private sector as well.”
Mr Marles highlighted the Vuvale partnership between the two countries and said, the partnership between both had been bolstered over the past few years.
“I really want to reiterate to the Prime Minister how much we value our relationship with Fiji. We are neighbours, friends and we are destined to be close, as close as we’ve ever been.”
