New Zealand’s defence minister Andrew Little is in Fiji since yesterday to further strengthen relationships between both countries.
He will be meeting his Fiji counterpart, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua.
He said New Zealand and Fiji had a strong defence relationship built on close cooperation and people-to-people ties.
“Our militaries already cooperate across many areas, and I look forward to further strengthening this enduring relationship with the Republic of Fiji as one of our key Pacific partners,” Mr Little said.
While in Fiji, the ministers will sign a status of forces agreement providing a legal framework for New Zealand and Fijian Military Forces to effectively cooperate within each other’s territories. Mr Little said they would also discuss a range of defence and security issues.
“This agreement will allow NZ and Fiji to work together more effectively to lift cooperation in areas that support security and stability in the Pacific, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“Climate change is an existential threat in our part of the world and as defence leaders, we cannot view climate change as something that only others must grapple with.”
The visit follows Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to New Zealand where Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced a further $NZ11.1 million ($15.22m) of climate change support for Fiji to respond to the effects of climate change.
Mr Little is scheduled to return to New Zealand tomorrow.
