Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently informed Parliament about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Development Cooperation between Fiji and Vanuatu. The agreement, signed on September 10, 2025, with Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat during the Pacific Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, underscores the robust partnership between the two Melanesian countries.
The MOU reinforces mutual cooperation in key areas, such as tourism, agriculture, customs, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian assistance, as well as labour mobility and infrastructure development. Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that this MOU is a practical framework designed to catalyze real-world collaboration, featuring the establishment of Senior Official-level Political Consultations for detailed planning and execution of shared initiatives.
Highlighting Fiji’s regional commitment, Rabuka noted the MOU aligns with Fiji’s National Vision, Ocean of Peace Declaration, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. It serves the nation’s foreign policy goals of strengthening Pacific partnerships, enhancing self-resilience, and supporting sustainable development amidst global challenges like climate change and economic fluctuations.
The MOU between Fiji and Vanuatu is another step in a series of regional cooperative efforts spearheaded by Rabuka, similar to agreements with Tonga, the Cook Islands, and Australia. These initiatives illustrate Fiji’s commitment to regional unity and resilience.
The agreement carries a hopeful outlook, aiming to bolster cooperation and readiness to tackle shared challenges. Rabuka’s continued regional engagement signals a collective desire to navigate complexities cooperatively, promoting peace and prosperity within the Pacific community.