THE Fijian and Australian people share a proud and enduring friendship, says Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu.
While speaking to Fijian soldiers headed for Australia at Nadi’s Black Rock Camp, he highlighted the importance of the deployment.
“We proudly matched the strength of our longstanding people-to-people ties at the government level with the signing of the Vuvale Partnership in September, 2019, which ushered in a new spirit of co-operation between our countries,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“One of those pillars of our collaboration is through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
“It is on this basis that we offer the services of our force to help Australia deal with the present bushfire crisis. Fiji and Australia have co-operated in the past on HADR matters.
“We will never forget the solidarity displayed by the Australian people to Fiji in the aftermath of Category 5 Cyclone Winston in 2016. Because of Australia’s quick action, relief supplies and life-saving assistance were able to reach ill and injured Fijians in more isolated regions impacted by the storm.
“It is in that same spirit that we offer our support to Australia today.”
He said the involvement of the RFMF team would showcase Fiji’s ability to swiftly respond to its partners during their time of need, developing and enhancing Fiji’s humanitarian capacities and resiliency.
“This deployment fulfils the highest aim of our vuvale partnership with Australia, because family — above all else — means helping each other in times of need. We will always be there for Australia when we are needed, and we know we can expect that same level of commitment in turn.”
