Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of collaboration as equal partners in the spirit of Vuvale to tackle challenges such as the increasing drug issue.
Wong visited Fiji this week to announce the successful bid for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital redevelopment master plan and to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
She stated, “The principle of Vuvale and our collaboration is that we aim to be responsive. I am not here to dictate actions but to work alongside you on the programs and priorities identified by your government and people.”
Wong confirmed Australia’s ongoing support for the Fiji Police Force, offering assistance in areas including intelligence and digital forensics.
“We have various bilateral and regional programs to enhance our engagement with law enforcement focused on drug production and trafficking. We are also providing broader support to address the social impacts of drug use,” she added.
Additionally, she noted that Australia is facilitating the establishment of police command centers and is providing training in intelligence and digital forensics, while enhancing cooperation on complex transnational investigations.