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Aust and Fiji agree to maritime support package

November 8, 2015 5:28 pm

Australia has committed to providing sustainable assistance of FJD$16.2 million to Fiji over the next three years to refit and support Fiji’s Pacific Patrol Boats.

This was announced at a meeting between the Fijian and Australian Defence and Military officials in Suva recently.

The assistance will include facilitating Fiji’s access to Australian Pacific Patrol Boat parts providers, funding the remaining elements of the refit for RFNS Kikau and supporting a slipping and upgrade of RFNS Kula.

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Acting Military Commander Commodore Viliame Naupoto said the package is a significant investment in Fiji’s maritime capability and was warmly welcomed by the RFMF leadership.

Australian High Commissioner Margaret Twomey says the future security partnership will not just involve replacement patrol boats but much closer regional collaboration with Fiji’s Pacific neighbours.