Fiji and Indonesia join forces in war against drugs

Fiji and Indonesia have agreed to join forces in the global war against drugs.

This is after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Denarau yesterday which deepens the cooperation of the two countries in combating trafficking of illegal drugs and substances in the Pacific Region.

During the signing, Minister for Defense and National Security, Joketani Cokanasiga, said the agreement will allow Fiji to make a larger contribution to international investigations by sharing information with the Indonesian security forces.

The agreement was signed after a bilateral meeting between the Fijian Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, and the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is in Fiji on a State Visit and to participate in the Second Summit of the Pacific Islands Development forum, which opens in Denarau today.

It was one of six MOUs signed by the two governments today in various fields to strengthen the cooperation between Fiji and Indonesia. 

Agreements were signed on the topics of fisheries, public works infrastructure, diplomatic training, youth and sports and visa exemption for diplomats.

The Prime Minister has also updated the Indonesian president on preparations for the General Election and added that the Fijian Government regards the expansion of trading opportunities with Indonesia a major priority.