Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, emphasized the importance of collaboration between Australia and Fiji in addressing pressing challenges such as the fight against illicit drugs and the effects of climate change. During the announcement of the winning proposal for the redevelopment master plan of the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital at its Peace Garden, she highlighted their successful partnership, which led to the seizure of 4.27 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi earlier this year.
Reflecting on her initial visit as Foreign Minister in May 2022, Wong noted the increasing complexity and interconnectivity of global issues over the past two years. She stated, “Together, we can rise to these challenges in the spirit of vuvale, whether dealing with climate change, illicit drugs, or the risks associated with cybersecurity.”
Wong reiterated Australia’s readiness to collaborate with Fiji on prioritized issues identified by the Fijian government and its citizens. She explained that Australia’s approach is to respond to Fiji’s needs and work together on programs that are mutually beneficial.
She mentioned ongoing Australian assistance in various fields, including support for the Fiji Police Force, development of police command centers, and training in areas such as intelligence gathering, digital forensics, and international investigations.