Australia's Minister Julie Bishop to attend Pacific Islands Forum Ministers’ meeting today

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop will be in Fiji today to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Ministers’ meeting.

Bishop says she will announce two new innovationXchange programs to reduce the spread of dengue and strengthen health and nutrition outcomes in the Pacific.

There will also be discussions on ongoing support and cooperation to tackle the growing outbreaks of diseases, such as dengue fever which have beset the region over the past decade.

She says she will discuss issues of mutual concern with Pacific foreign minister counterparts, Fijian government representatives, business leaders, regional bodies and development partners.

Bishop adds that her meetings will also focus on the political and security environment in the Pacific including the emerging challenges of transnational crime and illegal fishing.

The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister will be in Fiji until Saturday.