The Russian Government has refuted claims of secrecy in the shipment of Russian arms into Fiji last month.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Australia and Fiji, Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Vladimir Morozov said they were surprised by some recent media reports regarding an alleged secret supply of Russian arms.

Mr Morozov said Fiji and Russia had a common goal of building a just and secure world.

“Russia and Fiji are working constructively together in the international arena pursuing the common goal,” Mr Morozov said.

“We share common commitment to the interaction in the UN including peacekeeping issues.”

It is understood these arms would be used by the Fijian armoured infantry battalion, which is the largest component of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) based in the Golan Heights.

Mr Morozov said the arms had been supplied on a non-repayable basis following an agreement reached between the Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in Moscow in 2013.

“Russia’s assistance undoubtedly will increase the efficiency of peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East.

“It will contribute to further expansion of multidimensional relations, including military and technical co-operation between Russia and Fiji,” Mr Morozov said.

He said it was not intended to interfere in domestic affairs or against third countries.

The arms would be officially handed over to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) today.

Russian trainers have also been in the country for the past two weeks conducting training to their Fijian counterparts on the handling of the new arms.