Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, signed two historic treaties in Suva today - the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance.
These treaties represent one of the most significant endeavours Australia has undertaken with any country. They will transform Australia and Fiji's relationship, underpinning the region's prosperity, security and resilience for generations to come.
The Vuvale Union sets out ambitious commitments across the breadth of our relationship, and will deepen integration between our security, economies and people.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance - a mutual defence treaty - commits Australia and Fiji to come to the other's aid at times of greatest need.
It is Fiji's first and Australia's fourth alliance, building on our longstanding history of standing together to support one another and the region's security.
These are the first treaties to give practical effect to the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. They will build the Pacific's capability to tackle security challenges affecting the whole region, including transnational crime and climate change.
In Suva, the Prime Minister was awarded with an Honorary Companion of the Order of Fiji. As Fiji's highest civilian honour, it recognises the Prime Minister's contribution to Fiji-Australia relations and Pacific regional security.
The Prime Minister will also launch the Pacific Australia Skills program in Fiji and open the Vuvale Skills Hub, a refurbished trades facility. As core pillars of Australia's support to Fiji under the Vuvale Union, these initiatives will uplift education and skills in Fiji to drive future economic growth.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"The signing of these two agreements represents one of the most significant endeavours Australia has undertaken with any country.
"This level of ambition is possible because Australia and Fiji are Vuvale - family - with a relationship grounded in trust, loyalty, understanding and respect.
"Australia was honoured when Prime Minister Rabuka proposed Fiji's first alliance - the Ocean of Peace Alliance.
"The Vuvale Union sets out ambitious commitments across the breadth of our bilateral relationship, including security, economy and people."
