Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, has wrapped up a series of high-level meetings in Canberra, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to regional integration, climate action, and educational collaboration with Australia.
Prof. Prasad met with Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy during his visit to Canberra. He conveyed Fiji’s appreciation for Australia’s support under the Vuvale Partnership and welcomed improvements in visa processing, which he said have strengthened people-to-people ties.
Prof. Prasad described this as “Australia’s century in the Pacific” and reiterated Fiji’s vision of the region as an “Ocean of Peace,” where development and security go hand in hand.
Looking ahead, Prof. Prasad emphasised the importance of the upcoming Fiji–Australia Security Treaty, which he said should go beyond defence to include economic security and regional integration. He also urged stronger investment in Pacific infrastructure and proposed exploring a Pacific-wide economic agreement with Australia and New Zealand to boost trade and investment.
Minister Wong welcomed Fiji’s vision and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Fiji and the Pacific through a flexible and enduring partnership.
During his visit to the University of Canberra, Prof. Prasad met with Vice Chancellor and President, Bill Shorten, and engaged with Fijian students studying in Australia.
Prof. Prasad highlighted Australia’s longstanding support for Pacific education, noting that 72 Fijian students are studying in Australia through Fiji Government scholarships and 64 students under the Australia Awards program.
“Education is central to regional integration and a key driver for Fiji’s development,” Prasad said, urging students to excel in their studies and contribute positively to Fiji upon their return.
Prof. Prasad’s visit also opened doors for future collaborations, including cost-sharing in specialised areas where Fiji lacks local expertise, support for Fiji’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, development of micro-credentials in AI and biomedical sciences, building digital identity systems, and expanding AI-related scholarship opportunities.
DPM Prasad also held a constructive meeting with Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, to discuss economic cooperation.
Prof. Prasad thanked Australia for its budget support in recent years and outlined Fiji’s National Development Plan, which prioritises investments in water, sewerage, health, and critical infrastructure.
He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with Australia and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to deliver these initiatives and addressed correspondent banking challenges affecting the region.
On climate action, DPM Prasad reaffirmed Fiji’s support for Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026, emphasising that a Pacific COP would be crucial for advancing ambitious climate goals for small island developing states.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, welcomed the discussions on operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund, advancing the Pacific Resilience Facility, and strengthening the Green Climate Fund’s impact in the Pacific.
Senator Katy Gallagher added, “Australia and Fiji have shared over 40 years of diplomatic relations. Our shared-interest partnership focuses on building resilience in the Pacific, taking climate action, and ending violence against women.”
Prof. Prasad’d visit underscores the growing partnership between Fiji and Australia across education, economic development, and climate resilience, with both sides committing to deepening ties in the years ahead.
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