Australia Advances Security and Economic Agreement with Fiji Amid Delays in Vanuatu Deal

Australia is nearing the signing of a security and economic agreement with Fiji, as part of its initiatives to enhance partnerships in the Pacific region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy arrived in Suva on Tuesday for a three-day visit focused on advancing the agreement.

The visit includes discussions on fuel security and strategic ties amid supply chain disruptions from the war in Iran. The ministers are set to meet with Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and cabinet members to progress the treaty known as the Vuvale Union.

They will also hold talks with the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum secretariat, Baron Waqa. Fiji is scheduled to host a pre-COP31 summit in October, following a negotiated settlement between Australia and Turkey over hosting rights for the November climate event.

Since the Labor party's election win in 2022, Australia has increased engagement in the Pacific, including security deals with countries such as Tuvalu and Nauru, and upgraded diplomatic ties with Papua New Guinea to a formal alliance. These steps followed the Solomon Islands' 2022 security agreement with China.

Wong stated that Australia and Fiji share a partnership that supports regional security, stability, and resilience. Conroy noted the opportunity to advance the Vuvale Union, including measures against organized criminal activity. He said transnational crime ranks as a top security threat in the region after climate change.

The ministers' visit emphasizes collaboration on energy security and responses to major supply chain issues.

A proposed agreement with Vanuatu, known as the Nakamal agreement, was delayed in September last year due to concerns from Vanuatu government ministers about infrastructure funding from China. Vanuatu's leader, Jotham Napat, confirmed the delay allows the country to seek funding from other sources.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Vanuatu last year, but the deal has been scaled back. China and Vanuatu are negotiating their own agreement, described by Napat in April as a comprehensive development cooperation agreement, not a security deal.

China has funded upgrades to government buildings in Vanuatu, including an $86 million renovation of the prime minister's office last year. A prior security agreement with Vanuatu in 2022 was not ratified by its parliament due to concerns over consultation and alignment with non-alignment policies.

Australia aims to sign some form of agreement with Vanuatu in the near future. The developments reflect ongoing negotiations for security and development partnerships in the Pacific region.