THE Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is set to strengthen its defence capabilities through deeper cooperation with Australia under the Ocean of Peace Alliance, also known as the “Veitacini” Treaty.
RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said the agreement would provide new opportunities for capacity building, capability development and stronger engagement with regional and international partners.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said Fiji already benefited from Australia’s support, but the treaty would take the longstanding partnership to a higher level.
“There is a lot that the RFMF can benefit from in terms of defence, when it comes to capacity building, when it comes to capabilities as well, the things that we require,” he said.
“Already we are getting a lot from Australia, but the treaty itself actually strengthens the relationship to a much deeper extent for the RFMF.”
He said the agreement came at a significant time for the military and would support further development priorities during his next five years as commander.
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said the alliance would also expand Fiji’s ability to work with other partners through bilateral and multilateral arrangements.
“It offers us a lot in terms of our outreach to other partners. There isn’t much we can do, but with them we can do a lot as well.”
The treaty comes amid increased strategic interest in the Pacific, following a ballistic missile test by China shortly after the agreement was signed.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia had raised its concerns directly with China, stressing that Pacific Island countries should not become a testing ground for intercontinental ballistic missiles.
“We don’t want to see any more countries, China, America, anybody, testing intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Pacific Islands region, that’s the bottom line,” Mr Albanese said.
