Vuvale Union Workplan Still Being Drafted, Parliament Committee Told

The 10-year workplan under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union is still being drafted, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has been told.

The issue was raised during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade’s submission to the Committee on the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance, known as the Veitacini Treaty.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua questioned the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Raijeli Taga, about the status and availability of the workplan.

“Where is this workplan? When can we see the workplan?” Qereqeretabua asked.

Dr Taga told the Committee that the workplan is intended to cover a 10-year period and is currently undergoing negotiations.

She said the draft is being circulated among the relevant partners, who have been given an opportunity to provide comments and input before the document is finalised.

The Permanent Secretary said the consultation and negotiation process was still ongoing and the final draft would be completed after the necessary feedback had been considered.

The Committee’s discussion forms part of Parliament’s examination of the proposed Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance (Veitacini Treaty)and its implications for Fiji’s future cooperation with Australia.

Further discussions on the treaty and its proposed implementation are expected as the parliamentary review continues.