The Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration, Timoci Natuva, has praised Australia for its humanitarian assistance channelled through the HMAS Canberra to Fiji.

He made a goodwill visit to the Commander of the Amphibious Task Force, Captain Brett Sonter, on board the HMAS Canberra on Thursday facilitated by the Australian High Commission.

The Minister was briefed on the current deployment by the Australian Defence Force which covers the Lomaiviti Group and later the northern part of Fiji including Taveuni.

He acknowledged the HMAS Canberra’s capability of providing humanitarian services with air wing support and modern hospital facilities on board as a first in the Pacific region.

Furthermore, Minister Natuva also recognised Australia’s neighbourly effort by assisting Fiji in terms of financial aid, relief items, equipment and technical expertise to assist in the rehabilitation and rebuilding Fiji including the deployment of more than 1000 soldiers.