Fiji, Vanuatu Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties

Fiji and Vanuatu have reaffirmed their longstanding bilateral relationship, with both countries looking to deepen cooperation across trade, security, climate resilience and other key sectors.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met his Vanuatu counterpart, Prime Minister Jotham Napat, on the margins of the Pre-COP31 conference in Nadi this morning.

The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, labour mobility, agriculture, tourism, education, climate resilience, maritime connectivity and infrastructure.

Rabuka thanked Vanuatu for allocating land to Fiji in Port Vila and welcomed continued cooperation towards its development.

Fiji also welcomed Vanuatu’s interest in strengthening defence cooperation, particularly in peacekeeping training and broader security capacity building.

The leaders discussed ongoing maritime boundary negotiations and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues peacefully and in accordance with international law.

Climate change was also a major focus of the meeting, with both countries emphasising the need for a strong and united Pacific voice ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31.

Discussions included climate finance, loss and damage, and efforts to keep the global 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature goal alive.

Rabuka commended Vanuatu’s leadership on climate justice and its contribution towards advancing Pacific priorities internationally.

Napat said Vanuatu looked forward to working closely with Fiji to advance shared bilateral and regional priorities for the benefit of both countries.

The leaders also discussed the Melanesian Spearhead Group, including efforts to advance the MSG Trade Agreement and strengthen regional unity.