FIJI and New Zealand have renewed the Duavata Partnership for a further five years.
The agreement deepens cooperation on security, climate resilience, trade and Pacific-led development.
The refreshed Duavata Partnership 2026-2030 was signed in Auckland by Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka, and New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. It builds on the first agreement signed in 2022.
The agreement is anchored in the Fijian concept of duavata, meaning working together or partnership. It commits both countries to stronger bilateral ties and support for Pacific regional priorities.
The framework focuses on climate change, maritime security, disaster preparedness, transnational crime, sustainable development and Pacific-led regional solutions.
Ditoka described the signing as an important milestone in advancing one of Fiji’s closest bilateral relationships.
The agreement also reflects growing economic ties between the two countries. Two-way trade is now valued at about FJD$1.9 billion, with both governments aiming to lift it to FJD$2 billion by 2030.
The signing comes amid heightened strategic interest in the Pacific.
Regional leaders have continued to stress that development and security partnerships should align with Pacific priorities and respect regional institutions.
By linking the partnership to the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy and the Ocean of Peace vision, Fiji and New Zealand have signalled their support for regional stability and a more coordinated response to shared challenges facing Pacific Island countries.
First established in March 2022, the Duavata Partnership guides high-level engagement, policy dialogue and cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand.
The refreshed agreement sets the direction for collaboration through to 2030, with both governments reaffirming their commitment to a resilient, secure and prosperous Blue Pacific.
