Talks were ‘very positive’

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is looking forward to developing a strong relationship with the Coalition Government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Speaking to local media in Nadi yesterday, he said his first bilateral talks with Mr Rabuka were “very postive”.

“I look forward to developing a strong relationship with the Prime Minister and our friendship between our two countries will only get stronger in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka said he was also looking forward to his first visit to Australia as PM later this year.

“I look forward to the visit sometimes around June or July,” he said.

“The bilateral is mostly about what we can do together, about our co-operation, our common interests and today was just a friendly and neighbourly chat.”

Mr Rabuka added that the $81 million budget support from Australia would provide a boost to Fiji’s programs.

“We cannot be choosers and we appreciate everything we get,” he said.

“They will be very helpful towards our programs.”

Mr Rabuka will also meet with New Zealand’s Deputy PM Nanaia Mahuta this week.