The Status of Forces Agreement outlines accords for greater cooperation between New Zealand and Fiji. Photo: Andrew Little
New Zealand and Fiji formalised a military cooperation framework on Wednesday to "effectively cooperate within each other's territories" to boost the defence partnership between the two nations.
Defence Minister Andrew Little signed 'Statement of Intent' and a 'Status of Forces Agreement' with his Fijian counterpart Pio Tikoduadua in Suva.
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) outlines accords for greater cooperation in areas such as exchange in information, joint-exercises and disaster response among others.
The Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation sets out the priorities for defence cooperation in areas such as defence training, maritime security and humanitarian assistance.
"Mostly this is about strengthening the relationship between New Zealand and Fiji, and the NZDF [New Zealand Defence Force] and the Fiji military as well", Little told local media following the signing of the agreement.
"This really reflects the evolution of the relationship between the two forces that goes back many, many years", he added.
According to a joint media statement from Little and Tikoduadua, the agreement which provides "a legal framework for presence of forces in their respective territories" and reaffirms a "close bilateral relationship".
The stated goal of the partnership is to elevate Fiji-New Zeeland relations to a new level of expanded strategic cooperation in the years to come based on a foundation of shared values, equal partnership, and achieved through trust and consultation.
"[We] discussed some of the subjects earlier on in our discussions that led to the signing of the Statement of Intent, generally discussing the main areas of our cooperation," Tikoduadua said.
"We have signed a Statement of Intent that strengthens the relationship that we share from a people to people relationship, and of course through our militaries."
Tikoduadua said both countries had already been cooperating closely with each other in disaster response operations, citing the recent Cyclone Gabriel which devastated Hawkes Bay, after which, a group of Fijian troops had been dispatched to help with humanitarian efforts.
"New Zealand has always been here during our times of need, particularly after cyclone disaster to have stricken us, he said.
"In a small way we have try to reciprocate with Cyclone Gabriel...I am glad that Fiji has been able to reciprocate."
Little and Tikoduadua said the closer bilateral relations is guided by the 2022 Duavata Partnership to elevate New Zealand-Fiji relations, and the Pacific Island Forum's Boe and Biketawa Declaration for greater regional cooperation.
The signing of SOFA comes just over a week after Little signed a similar defence agreement with Japan.
Andrew Little, left, and Pio Tikoduadua formalised the partnership in Suva. Photo: Andrew Little