Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of collaboration as equal partners in addressing challenges like the escalating drug issue during her visit to Fiji.
This week, Wong announced the winning tender for the redevelopment master plan of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and participated in the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Wong explained that the principle of Vuvale, which means “family,” underpins their cooperative approach: “We seek to be responsive. I would not come here to dictate what we would do. Instead, we work with you on the programs and issues that the government and the people see as priorities.”
Furthermore, she highlighted Australia’s ongoing support for the Fiji Police Force, which includes strengthening capabilities in intelligence and digital forensics.
Wong noted a variety of bilateral and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug production and trafficking, alongside broader support for addressing the social impacts of drug use.
Additionally, she mentioned Australia’s commitment to establishing police command centers and providing training in critical areas such as intelligence and digital forensics, as well as collaborating on complex transnational investigations.