Australian Defence Force Supports Fijian mission In the Middle East
Fiji’s commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations recently got a boost from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which transported several dozen Fijian military personnel to the region
An RAAF C-17A Globemaster III airlifter flew 78 Republic of Fiji Military Forces soldiers from Fiji’s main transportation hub of Nadi to Iraq earlier this month, as part of a RAAF sustainment mission.
Defence says this is part of its continuing efforts to strengthen its relationship with the South Pacific nation, along with “a number of other activities will be conducted with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces this year.”
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said Australia is proud to support Fiji’s longstanding 42-year contribution to global peacekeeping operations.
“Australia and Fiji have a strong shared history of cooperation in support of domestic, regional and global operations,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Fiji’s recent contribution of 54 personnel to Australia’s response to the bushfire emergency was a welcome and powerful example of the importance of maintaining close ties between our nations.”
She added that Australia remains “committed to our engagement with Fiji through partnered projects such as the Blackrock Camp redevelopment and the design of the Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva”, noting that earlier this month, Australia had handed over newest Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Fiji as part of the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
