New Zealand, Fiji ink agreement to bolster defence ties

New Zealand have signed a defence agreement with Fiji which aims at bolstering of military training and maritime security, and improving the disaster and humanitarian response co-ordination between the two Pacific nations.

The agreement reflects the value New Zealand places on its relationship with Fiji.

Against a backdrop of China’s efforts to gain influence across the Pacific, New Zealand and Fiji have been working to tighten long-standing defense ties.