AUSTRALIA has dismissed suggestions its expanding partnership with Fiji is aimed at countering China’s influence in the Pacific, insisting the relationship is driven by shared interests and regional co-operation.
In an interview with The Fiji Times online portal, The Lens@177, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts said Australia’s focus was on strengthening its long-standing relationship with Fiji.
“I think where Australia is coming from, we just want to be the best possible partner for Fiji that we can be, because we believe that it makes sense for Fiji and Australia to work together,” Mr Roberts said.
“So, when we talk about the co-operation we do with Fiji, it’s because it makes sense for Australia, it makes sense for Fiji, and I hope it makes sense for the region when we work together for the region.
Mr Roberts said Australia wanted to deepen co-operation across economic development, regional security and people-to-people ties through the Vuvale Union.
