20 June 2003 - Fiji-Australia Defence Co-operation (DC) Talks

 
Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) talks between Australia and Fiji were held at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Nabua, on Wednesday 18 June 2003.

The talks were opened jointly by the Commander RFMF, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, and the Acting Australian High Commissioner, Mr Richard Ryan. Both noted the traditionally close ties between Fiji and Australia and marked their satisfaction in the return in January this year of the four Australian Defence Force advisers whose positions were withdrawn following the events of May 2000. Australia now has a total of seven Military Adviser positions in Fiji.

The Fiji and Australian delegations, led respectively by Commodore Bainimarama and Ms Carla Day, Director Pacific, Strategic and International Policy Division in Canberra, undertook to cooperate on a range of programs to the mutual benefit of both nations and noted that many challenges still lay ahead.

At the conclusion of the Talks Australia agreed to provide financial assistance and a consultant to Fiji in the conduct of its Defence Review.

Australia also confirmed that F$600,000 has been allocated under infrastructure support to the upgrade of armouries, and kitchen and ablution facilities at various Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) establishments. This is part of a long term Masterplan for the upgrade and support of development of facilities for the RFMF.

A key element of the Defence Cooperation Program is the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. Australia will continue to provide assistance to the Fiji Navy to maintain and operate the three Australian-built and provided patrol boats, RFNS Kula, Kikau and Kiro. Australia has also offered to support the conduct of a multinational maritime surveillance exercise involving Fiji and neighbouring countries in the next year.

Australia will also sponsor a week long regional Peacekeeping Seminar and a Humanitarian Assistance Exercise (involving RFMF, police and government representatives) in Fiji later this year.

In addition, RFMF members will continue to have numerous training opportunities with the Australian Defence Force and civilian educational institutions both in Australia and locally in Fiji.

Also, exchanges of personnel will continue next year with two RFMF officers posted full time to the Australian Army training establishments in Queensland. And three senior officers are currently undergoing one year command and staff training at the Australian Defence College in Canberra whilst four Fiji cadets under training at the Australian Royal Military College in Duntroon will be joined by two new cadets in July. Two of these cadets are due to graduate in December 2003.