Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met his counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, agreeing to negotiate a new security treaty under the Vuvale Partnership. “Vuvale means family and that’s the bond between Australia and Fiji,” Albanese said.
“Today we agreed to negotiate a new security treaty as part of our shared vision of a secure and prosperous Pacific.”
Albanese is attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Solomon Islands, which he has described as “a family reunion” for the region.
Earlier, the Prime Minister has pledged to elevate Australia’s partnerships with Pacific neighbours during his visit to Vanuatu, highlighting shared values of peace, stability and prosperity.
Speaking at his reception in Port Vila, Albanese said Australia would stand by Vanuatu “in good times and in difficult times” as both countries work towards a new agreement focused on people-centred outcomes, including energy transition, disaster response, labour mobility and youth training.
“We want to further elevate our partnership by committing to new actions that will lay fresh foundations, delivering practical people-focused outcomes.”
Albanese also reaffirmed Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s largest economic development, security and humanitarian partner. His visit coincided with the Fest’Napuan music festival, where he described the performance of Australian band King Stingray as a symbol of “Australia and Vanuatu in harmony together.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
