12 Jun 2023

Defence Minister to travel to Fiji for Status of Forces Agreement signing

4:13 pm on 12 June 2023
Andrew Little

Defence Minister Andrew Little says the agreement will allow New Zealand and Fiji to work together more effectively, including responding to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Defence Minister Andrew Little will travel to Fiji on Tuesday to meet with his counterpart, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua.

Little said the trip was to further strengthen the relationship between both countries.

It follows last week's visit to New Zealand by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, where New Zealand announced just over $11 million of climate change support.

In Fiji, the two ministers will sign a Status of Forces Agreement which provides a legal framework for New Zealand and Fijian military forces to effectively cooperate within each other's territories.

They will also discuss a range of defence and security issues.

Little said the agreement would allow New Zealand and Fiji to work together more effectively, including responding to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

He returns to New Zealand on Thursday.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs