Fijian prime minister 'more comfortable dealing with traditional friends' like Australia than China
Fiji's prime minister says his government is “more comfortable dealing with traditional friends” such as Australia as China pursues closer security ties in the Asia-Pacific region
CANBERRA, Australia — Fiji's prime minister said Wednesday on a visit to Australia's capital that his government was “more comfortable dealing with traditional friends” such as Australia as China pursues closer security ties in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sitiveni Rabuka and Australia's Anthony Albanese met during the Fijian’s first state visit to Australia since he most recently came to power in December last year. The 75-year-old former army colonel and coup leader had previously been Fiji’s prime minister from 1992 until 1999.
Rabuka sided with Australia in what he described as the “rivalry” and “one-upmanship“ between the United States and China.
“We’re more comfortable dealing with traditional friends, that we have similar systems of government, that our democracies are the same brand of democracy, coming out of the Westminster system,” Rabuka told reporters.
“Our justice system, our policing system — we’re more comfortable with friends that we have had over a longer period,” Rabuka added.
But Rabuka cautioned against countries appearing to be aggressive toward friends and neighbors with whom they had cordial relations.
The two leaders announced several developments in their bilateral relationship including an elevation of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, a 2019 agreement on closer cooperation, consultation and friendship.
Australia agreed to sell Fiji 14 Australian-built Bushmaster armored military vehicles and to reach an agreement on cybersecurity cooperation.
Albanese said Australia would provide Fiji with more financial support to
Read more on abcnews.go.com
