The Australian government is providing a further $16m to support a two way exchange program between the two countries public sector employees.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she had successful talks on the issue with her Fijian counterpart.

“Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabaola and I are setting up a series of senior officials talks so that different departments and different agencies can work out the skills that they need. And Australia will work out a twining or exchange programs and we hoping this way that the public sector in Fiji will be robust and strong as it can be.”

Bishop says they are happy with the parliamentary elections held in Fiji, however there is still a long way to go.

“We very excited with the elections – they (Fiji) have passed and there will be report from the Multi-National Observer Group. We believe that will be positive- but holding an election isn’t enough. You also have to build up the strength of the democratic institutions that support the democracy.”

Meanwhile Australia will also provide a further eight point eight million dollars over four years through the Market Development facility to support job creation and local business industry in Fiji.

Bishop concluded a two day ministerial visit to Fiji yesterday.