Fiji-Australia ties strengthen amid drug trafficking concerns

Trust between Fiji and Australia’s institutions are “extremely high” as concerns arise over the integrity of Fiji’s institutions in dealing with drug smuggling. Australia’s Minister for Pacific Affairs Pat Conroy said Fiji and Australia shared deep and abiding relations, and both countries were focused on enhancing security and cooperation.

Fiji and Australia are finalising the Vuvale Union that has three core pillars one of which is security, where sharing of intelligence is critical to tackling transnational crimes, including drug trafficking. This strengthened partnership comes at a critical point in Fiji’s history as key institutions are seen to be compromised in the fight against drugs.

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said the partnership between the two countries was predicated on key principles of sovereignty and democracy.

“We work with you on strengthening your capability. We work with you in partnership in the areas that Fiji identifies as priority to strengthen your resilience, your institutions and your capacity. Because we are both democracies. And that principle is very clear to both governments,” she said.

Mr Conroy added that “Fiji military personnel embedded in 7th Brigade of the Australian Army. We also have Australian Defence Force officers embedded in your armed forces. We have police personnel embedded in each other's forces as well, particularly Australian Federal Police, here.”

Vuvale Union will further strengthen Fiji's capabilities across interdiction, policing, legislation, prosecution and importantly health. It will support Fiji's leadership in bringing forward a stronger regional approach to better tackle transnational threat, including before it reaches Fiji.

“As the name suggests, transnational crime is not limited to one nation, and we need a regional approach. And yet again, Fiji will be a regional leader in combating this issue,” Mr Conroy said.