Australian Defence Praises Fijian Troops
Fiji’s commitment in reaching out to our Australian ‘Vuvale’ in response to the bushfire rebuilding efforts have been commended by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
This has been in recognition of the work carried out by the 54-member engineering contingent of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) deployed to Australia to assist with the recovery efforts.
As the Vuvale Partnership culminates into unprecedented cooperation, the official visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, Inia Seruiratu to Australia on Monday paves the way forward for strengthening engagements with the Australian Defence Force.
The visit undertaken upon the invitation from the Australian Defence Department was also an opportunity for Minister Seruiratu to meet the Fijian Troops and senior officials of the Australian Defence Force.
The meeting followed a tour of Australian and International Defence facilities and programmes in Victoria.
Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Fiji for its remarkable support to Australia in its efforts to restoring lives and rebuilding communities.
He spoke highly of the work carried out by the Fijian Troops in diligently supporting the Australian Defence Force to operationalise its rebuilding efforts.
Minister Seruiratu was welcomed by General Campbell, at 34 Squadron VIP Terminal, RAAF Base Fairbairn, Canberra before flying into RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria.
Minister Seruiratu’s meeting with the Australian Defence Forces resonated with Fiji and Australia’s commitment to enhance cooperation opportunities in building resilience and in pursing the unified vision for regional and global peace, security and prosperity.
After the briefing at RAAF Base East Sale, Minister Seruiratu was flown to Orbost, Victoria to meet with the Fijian troops who were delighted to meet with him.
The troops briefed him on various rebuilding activities that they have been working on with ADF now for a few weeks.
Minister Seruiratu conveyed the well wishes of Fijian Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and the Fijian people and thanked them sincerely for their unprecedented commitment to selfless service provided to our “Vuvale”,
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, Inia Seruiratu with the Fijian Troops and Members of the Australian Defence Forces at a rebuilding
and recovery project site. which, is the foundation of Fiji and Australia’s cooperation in many development areas.
The swift communication between the two nations is a demonstration of the strong partnership that has been ably supported by the Defence Teams and High Commissions of both Australia and Fiji.
Minister Seruiratu was accompanied by the Counsellor at the Fiji High Commission, Salote Tagivakatini and the senior officials of the Australian Defence Force during the day tour.
Australia need.
He said that Fiji was proud the impressive achievements the Fijian Troops.
He stated that this collaboration testified to the resilient spirit and unbreakable friendship of the Australian and Fijian people. Minister Seruiratu also thanked the Australian Defence Force for its support given to the Fijian Troops as they together aspired to assist with Australia’s rebuilding efforts.
The response by Fiji in deploying the Fijian troops is in accordance with the Vuvale Partnership at its greatest time of
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