Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, traveled to Australia on Thursday to officially receive a new Guardian-class patrol boat, the RFNS Timo, which will replace the decommissioned RFNS Puamau. This vessel was gifted to Fiji by the Australian government just one month prior to the unfortunate grounding incident of the Puamau at Fulaga Reef in Lau on June 10.
Mr. Tikoduadua highlighted that the RFNS Timo will significantly enhance Fiji’s maritime capabilities, enabling the nation to better protect its waters, conserve natural resources, and contribute to regional security efforts. He emphasized that this handover reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Fiji and Australia.
This transition marks a significant step forward for Fiji’s maritime defense and indicates a continued commitment to collaborative security in the Pacific region. The introduction of the RFNS Timo presents an optimistic outlook for Fiji’s capability in safeguarding its maritime interests.
As Fiji moves towards greater self-reliance in terms of maritime security, the partnership with Australia showcases the importance of international support in strengthening regional stability and cooperation.
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