In a significant step towards strengthening cross-border collaboration, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM and Fiji Police Force (FPF) Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, 3 March 2025, in Suva, Fiji. This agreement builds on the longstanding partnership between the AFP and FPF, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
“The AFP has had members posted to Fiji as liaison officers and advisers for more than 20 years,” said Commissioner Kershaw, reflecting on the deep history between the two forces.
“This new agreement represents a continuation of our mutual commitment to ensuring safety and security in the Pacific region.”
As part of the MoU, the AFP will support the FPF in delivering a range of initiatives aimed at improving operational coordination across various crime types, including transnational crime. The agreement will also see efforts to boost leadership, professional development, and corporate support within the FPF.
In a move that signifies greater collaboration, the AFP will embed strategic advisers within the FPF, providing expertise in areas such as intelligence gathering, human resources, and strategic operational planning.
Commissioner Kershaw emphasised that this new phase of partnership would bring a tangible impact:
“The AFP is incredibly proud to continue decades of partnership with the FPF, marking a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance policing operations in the Pacific region.”
A key aspect of the agreement also includes Fiji’s commitment to hosting the newly announced Regional Centre of Excellence under the Pacific Policing Initiative. This centre will focus on advancing forensic capabilities within the FPF and other Pacific police forces by offering world-leading forensic training and operational support.
Commissioner Tudravu highlighted the broader significance of the partnership, noting that the agreement is grounded in respect and mutual understanding. “The AFP Commissioner’s visit has provided an excellent opportunity to engage and strengthen networking at the strategic level, allowing us to better understand the shared security challenges within the region,” he said.
“We are stronger when we work together under the Pacific spirit of solesolevaki, united in protecting our region from the growing threats of transnational crime.”
This agreement marks a new dawn in the long-standing collaboration between the AFP and FPF, setting the stage for even closer cooperation and continued progress in safeguarding the Pacific.
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