Australia signs mutual defence treaty, deepens economic integration with Fiji

The Vuvale Union sets out ambitious commitments and is expected to 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.

The 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.

“The signing of these two agreements represents one of the most significant endeavours Australia has undertaken with any country,” according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“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.

VIEW ALL

“The Vuvale Union sets out ambitious commitments across the breadth of our bilateral relationship, including security, economy and people.”

Under the signed Ocean of Peace Alliance, each party recognises that an armed attack on any of the Parties within the Pacific would be dangerous to each other's peace and security as well as the security of the Pacific, and declares that it would act to meet the common danger

In addition, the countries will develop and maintain bilateral and multilateral visiting forces agreements and arrangements as necessary to facilitate and support activities.

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.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.