Morrison visits camp

AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a pit stop at the Black Rock Camp in Nadi yesterday.

Speaking to the media, he said Australia’s decision to fund the re-development of Black Rock was a way to strengthen Australia’s relationships with Pacific nations.

He said Australia provided $A25 million ($F37.3m) for the first phase of construction works.

“When we look at Black Rock, you particularly think about Fiji’s peacekeepers going over to Iraq,” he said.

“The security engagement that we have here with Fiji and the Pacific region is all about keeping the region safe and stable and secure. At the end of the day that is why we are here.”

He said Australia’s relationship with Fiji had strengthened over the past several months.

“This is a very important partnership and it is part of our international development for the Pacific.

“The last 24 hours has been very positive. It is great to be back here in Fiji and at this very site.

“It’s great to see the progress of work at Black Rock. It builds on the bilateral meeting that I had with Prime Minister Bainimarama yesterday (Friday).

“We ran through followup actions on the items that we were able to discuss in Canberra not that long ago.”

Mr Morrison also met military officers preparing to be deployed for a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Middle East.

He said Australia was proud to stand alongside Fijians in their peacekeeping duties which had been recognised for more than 30 years.

According to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Black Rock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance Camp would be redeveloped into a fully operational military training centre.

During a memorandum of understanding signing between the Ministry of Defence and the Australian Department of Defence earlier this year, Fiji’s Defence Ministry permanent secretary Manasa Lesuma said the multi-million dollar facility was expected to enhance the RFMF’s peacekeeping performance, contribution and humanitarian assistance capabilities.

He said the facility could also serve as a regional training camp for peacekeeping duties.

Picture: BALJEET SINGH Picture: BALJEET SINGH LEFT: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison accompanied by Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu, right, during his visit to the Black Rock Camp in Nadi. BELOW: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison meets military personnel during his visit to the Black Rock Camp in Nadi.