Fiji-Australia: Enhancing Bilateral Engagement

  • Joint media release

Todaywe were pleased to meet at Australia's Parliament House to discuss our mutualcommitment to enhancing engagement between our two countries.

Thediscussion provided an important opportunity to discuss ways we can build thebilateral relationship into a dynamic and productive partnership.

MinisterRatu Inoke updated Minister Bishop on Fiji's further progress towards the 17September elections. Minister Bishop emphasised Australia's strong support forthe electoral process. Building on Australia's in-principle acceptance ofFiji's invitation to co-lead a Multinational Observer Group to observe theelections, Minister Bishop said she looked forward to the finalisation of theterms of reference for the mission.

Reflectingthe growing official engagement, the two Foreign Ministers discussed a widerange of issues of common interest to both countries, including strengtheningdialogue and people-to-people links. Preparatory work to re-establish defenceties was also discussed.

Theexpansion of trade and economic relations was highlighted, including the importance of promoting labour mobility between both countries.

Themeeting was a constructive example of the commitment of Australia and Fiji todeepening and strengthening the relationship.

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