PNG in military talks with Fiji

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN 

The Government is in the process of developing a joint military arrangement with the Fiji military aimed at expanding capacity and improving security relationships between the two countries. 

Defence Minister Fabian Pok told The National yesterday that discussions were in progress to create the military co-operation to have the arrangement processed. 

“Discussions are in the initial stage now. I am hopeful the progress of the discussion will end soon,” Pok said.  

The Fiji cabinet has already made a decision to engage its military with PNG Defence Force just weeks after Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s visit to PNG,  earlier this year, Fiji media has reported. 

The countries intend to involve the forces in overseas peace-keeping missions, assisting each other with military training needs and other mutual military efforts. 

Pok did not elaborate on the details of the discussions and the arrangement.