Editorial Two
Issue 408, February 1, 2019
The visit of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (the first in modern history) to Fiji on January 17, 2019, has opened up new vistas of diplomatic and bilateral relations between the two countries, which should in more ways than one, be an eye-opener for New Zealand.
Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama drew his punches at a dinner that he hosted to his Australian counterpart, just as he did at former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key during his visit to Suva on June 9, 2016.
Needs of the Pacific
Mr Bainimarama welcomed Australia to the ‘Pacific fold,’ saying, that country’s presence is needed in the interest of the region.
That was an expression of a warm sentiment from a leader who had, a few years ago, was angst over his rich and powerful neighbour for its stand against the Bainimarama regime.
But he also demanded that Australia perceives Fiji realistically, recognising the country’s progress as a genuine democracy with a record of two general elections that have been acknowledged internationally as free and fair.
Vuvale Partnership
Mr Morrison’s visit produced some tangible results, one of the most important of which was the declaration of a new ‘Vuvale Partnership’ between Fiji and Australia.
This included a $US 60 million education partnership with the University of the South Pacific to lift teaching standards and a $US 12 million programme to send 3000 hours of Australian television content into the Pacific over the next three years.
Mr Morrison also formally announced Fiji’s inclusion in the Pacific Labour Scheme, following news in November that Australia would expand the migrant labour scheme to all Pacific Island countries and lift its cap of 2,000 places. Fiji will also join Australia’s Pacific Medicines Testing Programme.
Wellington’s turn
Mr Bainimarama believes that Fiji and New Zealand can strike a closer bond and a great partnership, provided these are based on mutual confidence and trust.
There are still a number of imponderables that New Zealand should work through to regain the confidence, and more important, the level of friendship that is worthy of a powerful neighbour.
