Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka met with Her Excellency Ms. Sam Mostyn

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka met with Her Excellency Ms. Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, yesterday, where they reaffirmed the strength of the renewed Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.

The meeting took place at Government House in Canberra and emphasized the spirit of friendship and collaboration between the two nations. Prime Minister Rabuka began by congratulating Her Excellency on her recent appointment as Governor-General and discussed key areas for enhanced cooperation. He acknowledged the positive effects of Australia's support on Fiji's development, particularly in areas such as budget assistance, economic reform, private sector growth, and infrastructure investment. The conversation also touched on sports diplomacy, with the Prime Minister praising initiatives like the inaugural Vuvale Bowl rugby match between Australia and Fiji, as well as Fiji Airways' sponsorship of prominent Australian teams, including the ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Storm. He welcomed the increasing engagement with the Australian Football League (AFL), following his meeting with representatives from the St Kilda Football Club in Suva earlier this year. Regarding tourism, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized its vital role in both the economic partnership and Fijian economy, noting that Australia remains Fiji's top source of tourists. In 2024, Fiji achieved a historic milestone by surpassing one million visitor arrivals, with more than 45% from Australia. He also highlighted the significant contribution of the Fijian diaspora in Australia, estimated at 70,000, to the Fijian economy through remittances and investments. On regional matters, Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated Fiji's support for Australia's bid to host COP31, viewing it as a crucial opportunity for the Pacific to influence global climate policies.

He also stressed Fiji's dedication to regional unity, particularly with the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara, where he looks forward to securing support for the significant "Ocean of Peace" Declaration. In response, Her Excellency Ms. Mostyn expressed her appreciation to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation built on mutual respect and trust. Both parties reinforced their commitment to advancing the goals of the Blue Pacific Continent. #FijiGovernment #Fiji #Australia #FijiNews #CoalitionGovernment #VuvalePartnership