Australia and Fiji Sign 'Pacific Peace Alliance' Treaty to Enhance Security and Defense Cooperation

Kuala Lumpur, July 6 (KUNA) -- Australia and Fiji signed the “Pacific Peace Alliance” treaty today in the Fijian capital of Suva, aiming to enhance security and defense cooperation between the two countries and support stability in the Pacific region amid growing regional and international challenges. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the new defense treaty as part of efforts to develop security and development relations between their countries.

The broadcaster quoted Albanese as saying at a press conference in Fiji that the treaty would be backed by Australian government funding exceeding A$1 billion (approximately $691 million US) over a decade, to finance measures against transnational crime, as well as education, health, and infrastructure projects in Fiji.

For his part, Rabuka said the treaty represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations and underscores both countries’ commitment to regional rules, as well as Australia’s ongoing commitment to the stability, resilience, and prosperity of the “Blue Pacific” amid global turbulence.

The Pacific Peace Alliance includes a mutual defense clause, stipulating that any armed attack on one country within the Pacific region constitutes a threat to the peace and security of the other, with consultations on any security developments that threaten the sovereignty, peace, or stability of either party, in accordance with each side’s procedures. (End)