Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with his counterpart Scott Morrison at the Nausori Airport [Source: Fijian Government]

The Australia/Fiji ‘Vuvale Partnership’ agreement will now be negotiated by officials from the two countries in the coming months.

Following successful negotiation the partnership will be formally signed when Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will officially visit Australia later this year.

Fiji PM Voreqe Bainimarama with his Australian counterpart before Scott Morrison left Fiji [Source: Fijian Government]

Fiji and Australia have taken further steps forward in their relationship following Scott Morrison’s historic two day visit to our island nation.

The two Prime Ministers have found a lot of common grounds with their shared interests and values – reaching agreement on several areas.

“Your Prime Minister (Voreqe Bainimarama) and I have each other’s mobile number, we text each other, we talk about our families and it is a very warm relationship. And when we pick-up the phone when we have differences, we have a chat and we talk them through. The days of take it or leave it is over when it comes to resolving issues. It’s not my style, it’s not Australia’s style, it’s not Fiji’s style – so this truly is a new chapter.”

Morrison says Australia’s Pacific step-up is genuine and authentic.

To the wonderful people of Fiji, including the veterans and peacekeepers Jenny and I had the honour of meeting today, thank you. pic.twitter.com/UYbGlkszi7

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 17, 2019