New agreement strengthens AFP partnership with Fiji Police Force
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM and Fiji Police Force (FPF) Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu have signed a new agreement to enhance cross-border operations.
The Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Suva, Fiji, on Monday (3 March, 2025) that builds on the long-standing partnership between the AFP and the FPF.
As part of the MoU, the AFP will support the FPF deliver projects to boost operational coordination across transnational and priority crime types, as well as improve leadership, professional development and corporate support.
The AFP will embed strategic advisers within the FPF to assist across multiple capabilities including intelligence gathering, human resources and strategic operational planning.
The Fiji Government has also committed to hosting a previously announced Regional Centre of Excellence in the operational field of forensics under the Pacific Policing Initiative.
The Regional Centre of Excellence will enhance the forensic capabilities of the FPF and other Pacific police forces by delivering specialist police training and operational support. Trainees will be taught world-leading forensic techniques to enhance their skills.
Commissioner Kershaw said the agreement signalled a new era of support that would boost collaboration between police in Fiji and Australia.
“The AFP has had members posted to Fiji as liaison officers and advisors for more than 20 years,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“The embedding of AFP strategic advisers is a continuation of this mutual commitment to help ensure safety and security in support of the FPF.
“The AFP is incredibly proud to continue decades of partnership with the FPF and to deliver such a significant milestone in our efforts to support and enhance policing operations in the Pacific region.
FPF Commissioner Tudravu said the signing of the new formalised agreement heralded a new dawn between traditional law enforcement partners based on mutual understanding and respect.
"The visit by the AFP Commissioner has been a wonderful opportunity to engage and strengthen networking at the strategic level, deepening our shared understanding of common security challenges within the region and the policing profession,” Commissioner Tudravu said.
"The longstanding partnership between the FPF and AFP has always been based on respect and the shared understanding that we are stronger when working together under the Pacific spirit of solesolevaki in protecting our Pacific region from the growing threats of transnational crime."