Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to the Republic of Fiji from 2 - 4 October 2025 to meet with Fiji's Minister for Defence and Veterans' Affairs, the Hon Pio Tikoduadua MP.
Australia deeply values our close security and defence partnership with Fiji, underpinned by our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister will attend the opening of the Australian-funded Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre - a multi-agency facility that is home to the Republic of Fiji Navy Headquarters, as well as other government agencies, including the Hydrographic Office, Rescue Coordination Centre and Suva Radio Coastal Radio Station.
This facility will support the Government of Fiji in its efforts to protect local fishing industries, respond to natural disasters, facilitate search and rescue operations, and respond to transnational crime.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"Our defence relationship with Fiji continues to grow, with increased interoperability between our forces.
"In a landmark year, 130 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel embed with the Australian Army for five months - training and learning together. I look forward to discussing future rotations with my counterpart while in Suva.
"Australia is proud to support the construction and development of Fiji's newly opened Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, a vital enhancement of Fiji's maritime response and coordination capabilities.
"We are committed to working with our Pacific family to uphold common values, so we can make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations."
