Fiji and Australia will review their Vuvale Partnership, a bilateral agreement that was signed in 2019. The review aims to strengthen cooperation in areas such as economics and trade, labor mobility, skills development, climate change, infrastructure, development priorities, defense and security, and regional cooperation.
The review is being co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Fiji, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, and Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Ewen McDonald. It will be attended by the permanent secretaries and senior officials of both countries.
Dr. Korovavala said that the review is necessary to ensure that the Vuvale Partnership is “fit for purpose” and reflects the priorities of the new governments of both countries. He said that the review will focus on strengthening monitoring and evaluation, and reworking some priorities to make them more targeted.
High Commissioner McDonald said that the Australian Government is pleased to undertake the review and that it is an opportunity to “further deepen our cooperation to new levels.” He said that the Vuvale Partnership is an important part of Australia’s commitment to the Pacific region.
The review is expected to be completed in the coming months.
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