Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs, Fiji

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Hon. Gideon Sa’ar, paid a solemn visit to the National War Memorial in Suva, where he laid a wreath in honour of Fiji’s servicemen and women who have served and sacrificed for the Republic of Fiji.

The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Mason Smith; The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Logavatu Kalouniwai; Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Jesoni Vitusagavulu; RFMF Veterans; and Senior Military Officers.

The visit formed part of Hon. Sa’ar’s official visit to Fiji and reflects the strengthening diplomatic relations between Fiji and Israel, grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared commitment to advancing the interests and wellbeing of both nations.

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs today welcomed stakeholders from across Government and partner agencies to the High Level Validation Workshop for Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva.

Opening the workshop, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, highlighted the importance of strengthening Fiji’s maritime security framework in response to evolving regional and global challenges. He noted that Fiji’s ocean remains central to the country’s security, economy, trade, transportation, food security and regional connectivity.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders to validate Fiji’s shared priorities for maritime security and to strengthen inter agency coordination, information sharing and national preparedness. Discussions focused on addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, transnational organised crime, illicit trafficking and border security threats, while also improving maritime domain awareness and operational cooperation.

The Ministry also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme - UNDP in advancing this important national initiative.

The Maritime Security Strategy will provide a whole of government and whole of society framework to safeguard Fiji’s maritime interests and strengthen partnerships across the region and internationally.

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and the Pacific Fusion Centre today formalised a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the secondment of analysts under the Pacific Analyst Program.

The partnership will support the development of analytical capability, professional training, and knowledge exchange, while strengthening regional cooperation on shared security challenges across the Pacific.

The agreement reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to investing in people, partnerships, and regional approaches to security and resilience.

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs today welcomed its newest staff members during an induction and onboarding session held this morning.

The programme introduced the new officers to the Ministry’s structure, functions, workplace expectations, and the important role they will play in supporting Fiji’s national security and defence priorities.

We welcome them to the Ministry and look forward to their contribution and service to the people of Fiji.

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The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs was pleased to host the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and the Australian delegation at the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre.

The meeting was attended by the Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs; the Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, Minister for Policing and Communications; and the Hon. Viliame Naupoto, Minister for Immigration.

The meeting provided an opportunity for continued discussions on shared regional security priorities, inter agency cooperation, and the importance of working together to support a safer and more secure Pacific.

The Ministry acknowledges Australia’s continued partnership and support through the Vuvale Partnership.