Australia will increase its financial assistance to Fiji to almost $734 million over the next four years, as both nations move to formally elevate their Vuvale Partnership-signalling a renewed era of strategic cooperation and Pacific- led development. The announcement came during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to Australia, where he and Australian leaders reaffirmed shared goals under Rabuka’s “Ocean of Peace” vision, which calls for family first regionalism and local solutions to Pacific challenges. The package includes: FJ$56 million (AU$40 million) in additional bilateral development assistance over four years; FJ$17.6 million (AU$12 million) to upgrade shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports to boost border security; Funding for two technical advisers to help implement Fiji’s new National Security Strategy; The embedding of Australian Federal Police officers in the Fiji Police Force to expand law enforcement ties. Australia and Fiji will also explore deeper co-operation in cyber- secure border management, transnational crime prevention, maritime security; health responses – including tackling HIV/ AIDS – and skills development. “A strengthened Vuvale Partnership will help us build a region defined by peace, unity and prosperity;” a joint statement by the two Governments said. “Fiji is a regional leader, and the economic hub of the Pacific.” Mr Rabuka met with key Australian leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor-General David Hurley; Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy; and Home Affairs Minister Clare Burke. The delegation also visited Fijian troops embedded in Exercise South Queensland Warfighter and toured regional policing and maritime security facilities in Brisbane. Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj