Navy-to-Navy Talks Strengthen Naval Works
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division conducted its inaugural navy-to-navy talks with the Royal Australian Navy on Thursday. Commander Fiji Navy Captain Humphery Tawake, who is undergoing studies in Canberra, Australia, led the Fijian delegation in the talks with Royal Australian Navy Chief of Navy Admiral Mike Noonan.
These talks were aimed at strengthening navy-to-navy collaboration and partnership on regional maritime security under the “Pacific Step Up Programme”, sharing and addressing common maritime security concerns such as the impacts of climate change, IUU and other non-traditional security threats under the Boe Declaration regional maritime security arrangements.
The talks also aimed to enhance people-to-people links with closer engagement in capacity building, professional development and technical expertise under the “Vuvale Partnership” signed by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in 2019.
The engagement and partnership between the two navies is expected to elevate to new heights even under COVID-19 pandemic.
ACFN Marika Vosawale and Australian Defence Attache Col Rob Heartch joined the talks virtually from HQ Fiji Navy. The talks will set the platform for deeper engagement between the two navies.
Fiji Hydrographic week
This week marks Fiji Hydrographic week with activities conducted to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Fiji Hydrographic department in Fiji.
The Hydrographic office conducted an open day on Thursday where the Hydrographic office and Hydrographic vessel RFNS Volasiga was opened to the public for visit.
The Fiji Hydrographic Office also farewelled CPO Thomas Chell of the Royal New Zealand Navy on completion of his work in Fiji in teaching the Leading Surveyor Recorders Course. Source: RFMF Naval Division