New Zealand and Fiji signed a defense agreement on June 14, amid growing regional challenges that require island nations to boost cooperation and strengthen military capabilities.
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| Pacific island nations are now stepping up their cooperation to jointly address security challenges in the region. (Source: London NERC DTP) |
According to Mr. Andrew Little, New Zealand's Minister of Defense, this agreement reflects the value New Zealand places on its relationship with Fiji and "more effective cooperation between our two militaries is important".
He stressed that the new defense agreement signed between New Zealand and Fiji on June 14 will help enhance military training and maritime security, as well as improve the two Pacific nations' coordination in disaster response and humanitarian issues.
In addition, the official also said that recently the Pacific island countries are facing major security challenges, including climate change. Therefore, he called for cooperation from all countries in the region to minimize the impacts of the above challenges.
The agreement comes as New Zealand, Australia and their allies seek to prevent countries within their sphere of influence in the Pacific from establishing and promoting security ties with China.
Last week, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held a press conference during a visit to New Zealand, confirming that the two sides were working together to finalize a defense agreement.
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