The Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, Hon. Steven Ciobo MP, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, this week as he began a two-day official visit in the country.
At their meeting, the discussion between Hon. Ciobo and Minister Kubuabola focused on issues of mutual concern and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Fiji and Australia.
Minister Kubuabola thanked the Australian Government for providing short-term employment opportunities to Fijians through their Seasonal Worker Scheme. During his visit, Hon. Ciobo is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Hon. Jioji Konrote, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, which will mark Fiji’s inclusion in the Australian Seasonal Worker Program.
During their discussion of the Seasonal Worker Scheme, Minister Kubuabola expressed Fiji’s desire to see an increase in the number of Fijians and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) quota under the scheme.
On regional issues, Minister Kubuabola explored ways in which Fiji and Australia could work in partnership to assist in the rehabilitation efforts in Vanuatu in the aftermath of cyclone Pam.
The Minister particularly commended Hon. Ciobo for the timely visit to Fiji so soon after taking up office in December last year. He extended an invitation to Hon. Ciobo for more visits to Fiji in the future.
Parliamentary Secretary Ciobo is also scheduled to meet with the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hon. Faiyaz Koya, and the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni, which will also include a parliamentary tour.
PRESS RELEASE