Source : Perth Now news
Anthony Albanese is expected to sign a major new alliance after touching down in Fiji, as the “permanent contest” with China looms.
If signed, the agreement between Australia and Fiji would be only the fourth for Canberra after agreements with the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea – the latter signed only last year. It would be the first such agreement for Fiji.
The Prime Minister has called the partnership between Australia and Fiji “strong” as traditional owners welcomed him to the Pacific island nation.
The visit comes as Australian officials continue to warn of a “permanent contest” with China for influence in the Pacific region – most notably the 2022 deployment of Chinese police to the Solomon Islands and a 2025 attempt Beijing to scuttle the Nakamal agreement between Australia and Vanuatu. The deal was ultimately signed last week.
On Monday morning, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a traditional ceremony at a hotel on the Suva waterfront, surrounded by Fijian military, political – including cabinet ministers and the leader of the opposition – and business leaders.
Mr Albanese arrived in Suva on Sunday evening for a two-day trip to Fiji and the Solomon Islands, before he returns to Australia to host leaders from Papua New Guinea and Tonga in Brisbane at the State of Origin decider.
At the centre of Monday’s visit is the Vuvale treaty – a security, economic, and people-to-people agreement between Australia and Fiji. Though, a more significant treaty is rumoured to be in the offing.
In brief remarks, Mr Albanese said Australia and Fiji had “strong cultural and people-to-people links”.
“Demonstrated here today with representatives from the Yolngu nation in northern Australia,” he said.
“Our partnership is strong.”
Proceedings included elaborate dances by first nations’ peoples and the traditional Kava ceremony – a naturally-relaxing native drink widely consumed in Fiji.
The trip caps off a diplomatic blitz between Canberra and the Pacific in recent months.
In just the past month, leaders from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands have visited Canberra, with more expected upon Mr Albanese’s return to Australia.
More to come
