Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, emphasized the importance of collaboration as equal partners under the Vuvale principle. She stated that this partnership will be vital in tackling challenges such as the increasing drug issue.
Wong visited Fiji this week to announce the successful tender for the redevelopment master plan of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
She highlighted that the essence of Vuvale is to remain responsive and to collaborate based on the priorities identified by the Fijian government and its people. Wong affirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting the Fiji Police Force through various initiatives that include intelligence sharing and digital forensics.
The minister noted that Australia is actively engaged in a range of bilateral and regional programs that focus on law enforcement and efforts to combat drug production and trafficking. Additionally, she mentioned Australia’s support for addressing the social consequences of drug usage.
Wong indicated that Australia is involved in establishing police command centers and is providing training across various areas, including intelligence and digital forensics, while intensifying cooperation on complex transnational investigations.