On Friday, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warmly welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Nadi, in the first leg of a high-level international tour that will take the Australian leader to Fiji, the United States, and Canada from 13–19 June 2025.
Albanese’s visit to Fiji marks the first official meeting between the two leaders since his re-election, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to the Vuvale Partnership—a family-like alliance focused on regional unity, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
In a post on X following the meeting, Albanese wrote: “Australia will always be a reliable partner to the Pacific, and that starts with listening and working together. I met with Prime Minister Rabuka in Fiji ahead of the G7 to reaffirm that commitment. At the G7, I’ll work with world leaders on issues that matter to our region – climate change, energy security, and free and fair trade.”
“These issues matter to the Pacific, and Australia recognises Fiji’s critical leadership role in our region’s unity and stability.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad said the visit by Prime Minister Albanese further deepens the strong ties between the two nations, noting it symbolises a renewed commitment to the Vuvale Partnership.
In a post on X, Professor Prasad wrote:
“Honoured to welcome Australian PM @AlboMP on his first visit to Fiji since re-election, joined by H.E. Peter Roberts, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and Deputy Commander RFMF Humphrey Tawake. Strengthening our Vuvale Partnership.”
In their bilateral discussions, Rabuka and Albanese praised the progress made under the elevated Vuvale Partnership, particularly in areas such as climate action, regional security, labour mobility, and infrastructure. They also reflected on the “enormous potential to amplify cooperation” as the Pacific navigates increasing global uncertainty.
Rabuka congratulated Albanese on his landslide win and thanked the Australian Government for its consistent support for Fiji’s development and broader Pacific solidarity.
Albanese said in a statement,
“Visiting Fiji so soon after the election is a deliberate decision to reinforce my Government’s Pacific priorities and to exchange views with my dear friend Prime Minister Rabuka, a respected Pacific statesman.”
Climate change and regional priorities were high on the agenda, with both leaders discussing Australia’s COP31 bid in partnership with Pacific nations and preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands this September.
The Fiji visit comes as part of Prime Minister Albanese’s broader international tour. Following Nadi, he will travel to Seattle, USA, for key meetings with business leaders on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He will then attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister
At the G7, Albanese will participate in partner country discussions focused on global energy transition, critical minerals, supply chain resilience, and enabling infrastructure—key themes shaping Australia’s economic future.
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