[Image Source: Fiji Government]

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has welcomed the amicable ties that Fiji and Australia now enjoy following years of fractured ties due to the events of 2006.

Speaking in Canberra, Australia last night, Bainimarama said he welcomes the improvement in Fiji’s relationship with Australia in recent times and looks forward to a new era of cooperation to confront common challenges.

Bainimarama says the two nations have a mutual interest in countering threats to national and regional security – which recognises climate change as the single greatest threat.

The Prime Minister adds that Fiji and Australia are also close allies in the fight against drugs, terrorism, and transnational crime, drawing attention to Australian support in defence-related initiatives.

Australia had placed a travel ban on Bainimarama, members of his cabinet, military personnel and senior civil servants until after the 2014 General Election.

The then Australian government had also lobbied for Fiji to be removed from the Pacific Island Forum until an election was held.