𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝘂𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

A total of $1.5 million AUD worth of plant equipment was handed over today by the Australian Defence Force Defence Attaché Colonel Kane Wright to the Commander Land Force (CLF) Colonel (Col) Onisivoro Covunisaqa. The donated items will be utilized by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Engineers Regiments Support Squadron to assist national objectives in supporting rural economies by allowing road access to commercial markets and accessing essential services.

Speaking on behalf of the Australian Defence Force, Col Wright said that the handing over of equipment signified the relationship as pacific partners which will not end. Col Wright said that the ADF will continue to work with the RFMF in confronting challenges that they face in different aspects of operation domestically, regionally and globally.

“Ladies and gents, I’d just like to highlight with the delivery of this equipment today. This is not the end. There is more partnering that Australia and Fiji will continue to do and there are more initiatives yet to come . . . But what we do together as partners in the Pacific is not just about funds, and it’s not just about equipment. It’s about what we do together as partners in the Pacific. Fiji has come to Australia’s assistance during our floods. They’ve come to our assistance during our bushfires. In turn, we have been honored to support yourselves in supporting cyclones and recovery,” Col Wright said.

“I’d just like to extend a very heartfelt thanks from the Australian Defence Force to the RFMF of thanks for being our mates in the Pacific. We will keep working together with you for humanitarian assistance, for peacekeeping and for general security for the region.”

Col. Wright also stated that there were other plans in place this year to enhance the interoperability between the ADF and RFMF primarily focusing on training.

In return the CLF Col Covunisaqa said that it was an honor to receive the great donation of the Australian Government through the ADF which was made possible through the ‘Vuvale Partnership’, that has immensely benefitted both Defense Forces.

Col Covunisaqa said that the inclusion of the new equipment will greatly benefit the RFMF Engineers Support Squadron in its efforts to meet the objectives of both the RFMF and the nation as a whole.

“Today, with the donation of these new machines, the squadron will furnish the Government and RFMF with highly capable and effective unit that can provide an array of engineering solutions to complex problems . . . this extends the benefits of the Vuvale partnership. In receiving these valuable machines let me express the RFMF’s sincere thanks to our Vuvale, the Australian government and ADF.” Col Covunisaqa said.

An initial scoping work was done in 2021 by a team of ADF officers to identify the relevant equipment to help sustain and maintain the momentum of the work carried out by the Engineers Regiment, which led to the donation of 3 tranche of equipment, where the first two tranches are worth $3.7 million AUD.