Australia has shifted its focus to Fiji for a new security agreement after negotiations with Vanuatu were put on hold.

The proposed deal with Vanuatu, reportedly worth $500 million, was shelved after concerns were raised that it could limit the country’s ability to seek funding from other international partners.

Vanuatu is also continuing discussions with China and has already received funding support for infrastructure development.

Following the setback, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong travelled to Suva for talks with Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on a new agreement known as the Vuvale Pact.

The agreement is expected to focus on three main areas:

• Security
• Economic cooperation
• People-to-people ties

Senator Wong said both Australia and Fiji would make decisions based on their own national interests, despite questions about possible reactions from China.

“We are a sovereign nation, as Fiji is, and we will make our decisions in our sovereign interests.”

Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the partnership would also help both countries tackle shared challenges such as transnational crime.

During the visit, Australia also announced a $30 million support package to assist Fiji in addressing its ongoing fuel crisis.

Source: AAP
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