Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has briefed Parliament about a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Development Cooperation with Vanuatu. This MOU was formalized on September 10, 2025, during the Pacific Leaders’ Meeting held in Honiara, Solomon Islands. It signifies a strengthening of ties between the two Melanesian nations and underscores a renewed dedication to expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The areas of collaboration outlined in this MOU include tourism, agriculture, customs, public works, disaster risk management, humanitarian assistance, labor mobility, volunteerism, sports, and infrastructure development. Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted that the MOU serves as a practical framework intended for actual on-the-ground collaboration rather than just a symbolic gesture. To facilitate successful coordination and implementation of the initiatives, political consultations at a senior official level will be set up to devise a detailed plan.
This bilateral agreement supports Fiji’s commitment to regional unity and aligns with its National Vision, the Ocean of Peace Declaration, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. By enhancing partnerships within the Pacific, promoting collective resilience, and advancing sustainable development, the MOU also tackles pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical shifts.
The MOU with Vanuatu is part of Fiji’s broader regional efforts to foster cooperation within the Pacific, reflecting a mutual vision and determination to address shared priorities. These initiatives emphasize the importance of collaboration in navigating complex global challenges. Through trade, security, or climate change initiatives, these collective efforts signal a positive trajectory for regional stability and growth.