Fiji, Australia step up anti-drug partnership under Vuvale Union

Fiji and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling transnational crime, with the fight against illicit drugs identified as the biggest priority under the newly signed Vuvale Union.

Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua met Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts today to discuss priority areas under the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, with both sides confirming the treaty is on track and backed by a substantial multi-year work plan.

Minister Naivalurua said Fiji was looking to deepen cooperation on narcotics enforcement, while also strengthening the Fiji Police Force through continued investment in human resources and information and communications technology systems.

The meeting also explored support for strengthening Fiji’s national data centre and the responsible use of artificial intelligence to improve government services as part of the country’s broader Vuvale digital agenda.

The Minister and the High Commissioner also discussed Fiji’s wastewater drug testing programme, with the first round of results now completed.

The Ministry and the Australian High Commission will continue analysing the data to help shape the Government’s response to drug-related issues.

“These documents only mean something once we put them into action. That’s the conversation we had this week, not just what we’ve signed, but what people will actually see and feel on the ground,” Minister Naivalurua said.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close dialogue and advancing areas of mutual interest under the Fiji-Australia partnership.