Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, has emphasized the importance of cooperation between Australia and Fiji to tackle key challenges, including the issue of illegal drugs and the effects of climate change. During her visit to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s Peace Garden, where the winning tender for the hospital redevelopment was announced, she remarked on the success of their bilateral collaboration, which recently led to the seizure of 4.27 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi.
Reflecting on her first visit as Foreign Minister in May 2022, Wong noted that while she had expressed hope for partnership in addressing global challenges, the complexities and interconnectedness of these issues have increased over the past two years. She highlighted the need for joint efforts to confront various challenges, including the impacts of climate change, drug-related issues, and the balance between harnessing technology’s benefits and managing cybersecurity risks.
Wong affirmed Australia’s commitment to working with Fiji on prioritizing issues identified by the Fijian government and its people. She emphasized the principle of vuvale, which underscores their responsive partnerships, stating, “We work with you on the programs, on the issues that the government and the people identify to us as priorities.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister mentioned several initiatives that Australia is already supporting in Fiji, including the Fiji Police Force’s revitalization, the establishment of police command centers, and training in areas such as intelligence and digital forensics, as well as transnational investigations.