Albanese arrives in Fiji; Gambling ad reform blasted; Cocaine from GM crops floods nation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to sign a major new security agreement with Fiji on Monday; This is the first step in a three-day diplomatic offensive aimed at strengthening regional ties and countering China’s influence in the Pacific.
Albanese arrived in Suva on Sunday night to sign the new “Vuvale Union” with Fijian prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who leads one of the Pacific’s most populous countries.
He will travel to the Solomon Islands on Tuesday to advance negotiations with recently elected prime minister Matthew Wale on a new comprehensive agreement.
Wale, who is also chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, I swore last month He decided to review the country’s controversial security agreement with China and promised a “reset” in relations with Australia after years of tension and mistrust.
Albanese’s tour of Pacific security talks will continue on Wednesday when the leaders of Papua New Guinea and Tonga visit Brisbane for a Status of Origin decision. Ahead of the match, Albanese will hold bilateral talks with each of the leaders to discuss regional security, trade and economic growth.
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