
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ
April 4, 2025
๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑโ๐ ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐
April 8, 2025In a significant step to enhance Fijiโs maritime security capabilities, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General Jone Kalouniwai, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today with Fiji Pine Chief Executive Officer Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure. The agreement grants the RFMF Naval Division access to Malau Port in Labasa as a Forward Operating Base (FOB).
This strategic move aligns with Fijiโs proposed National Security Strategy (NSS) 2025โ2030 and the RFMF Capability Development Plan, which prioritize strengthening maritime surveillance and response capabilities. The establishment of the FOB at Malau Port will enable the RFMF to better monitor Fijiโs Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), combat illegal fishing, and respond to transnational threats such as smuggling and human trafficking.
The Malau Port FOB is a key component of Fijiโs broader maritime security strategy, as outlined in the Maritime Capability Master Plan. The base will serve as a logistical hub for naval operations in the Northern Division, improving the RFMFโs ability to deploy patrol vessels and conduct sustained surveillance in Fijiโs vast maritime territory.
Major General Kalouniwai emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, โThis agreement marks a pivotal step in our efforts to secure Fijiโs waters and protect our national interests. The Northern Division is critical to our maritime security framework, and Malau Port will enhance our operational reach.โ
The MOA reflects Fijiโs commitment to regional security cooperation, as highlighted in the NSS, which calls for enhanced collaboration with Pacific partners to address shared challenges like climate change, illegal fishing, and transnational crime. The RFMFโs expanded presence in Labasa will also bolster disaster response capabilities, ensuring quicker humanitarian assistance during cyclones or other emergencies.
Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure emphasized the partnershipโs mutual benefits, noting, โFiji Pine is proud to support the RFMFโs mission. This collaboration not only strengthens national security but also fosters economic resilience by safeguarding our maritime resources.โ
The RFMF will now focus on upgrading infrastructure at Malau Port, including wharves and jetties, to support naval operations. This initiative is part of a larger push to modernize Fijiโs maritime defenses, as detailed in the RFMF 5-10 Year Capabilities Plan, which includes acquiring advanced patrol vessels and improving interagency coordination.