Fiji and NZ sign Status of Forces Agreement to strengthen relationship

A Status of Forces Agreement between Fiji's Ministry of Home Affairs and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence was again signed this morning to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

While signing the Agreement, Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua says Fiji and New Zealand's relationship are founded on the long history of mutual respect and understanding that unite our values, geography, history and culture.

Tikoduadua says the relationship between the two countries is demonstrated through the Duavata partnership that was signed last year.

He says the Agreement will also provide a framework that will support both Military Forces in joint defence activities.

During the signing of the agreement, the two Ministers spoke on some policy development and shared some valuable issues related to bilateral relations.

The Ministers also touched on regional security issues and the importance of Pacific regionalism, recognizing the achievement shared for the peace and prosperity of the Pacific region.

New Zealand Minister of Defence Andrew Little says the nations of the Pacific have been facing several security challenges like climate change that need more hands to work together to mitigate its effects.

Little says from these effects, the New Zealand Government has provided assistance to Fiji when cyclone Winston left a trail of destruction, and Fiji also provided vital support to New Zealand in response to cyclone Gabrielle.

Tikoduadua says the relationship between the two countries is demonstrated through the Duavata partnership that was signed last year.