Meeting with Fiji's Minister for Defence and National Security

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, today met with Fiji's Minister for Defence and National Security, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in Brisbane.

Minister Payne said the relationship between the Australian Army and Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is focussed on peacekeeping and engineering capacity development.

The Australian Government has agreed to sell 10 refitted Bushmasters to Fiji for use in United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Golan Heights and Syria as well as for pre-deployment training in Fiji.

The Ministers visited Gallipoli Barracks for a briefing on the ADF Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) capability and Defence engagement with the RFMF.

The Ministers also visited the Thales Eagle Farm facility to be briefed on Fiji's PMV preparation and training of RFMF personnel.

As part of the sales agreement soldiers from Brisbane's 7th Combat Brigade are training RFMF troops on the Bushmasters.

"Fiji is an important regional partner to Australia and a valuable contributor to global security, evidenced in its strong commitment to supporting UN peacekeeping missions worldwide," Minister Payne said.

"A strong defence relationship allows Australia and Fiji to work together to tackle a range of regional and global challenges such as regional stability, development and transnational crime.

"Our defence cooperation continues to strengthen in the areas of maritime security, peacekeeping, engineering, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief."

During their bilateral meeting the Ministers discussed regional security challenges, the upcoming South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting, and the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Program.

Media contact:

Henry Budd (Senator Payne's office): 0429 531143 Defence Media: (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au 

Media note:

Imagery will be available through the Defence Image Library http://images.defence.gov.au/S20170386

Vision will be fed to the Canberra Press Gallery.