One of the Pacific’s key leaders says he supports the AUKUS agreement as the Albanese government continues its diplomatic blitz.
Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka hosted Mr Albanese for a short bilateral meeting on his return trip to Australia, as Chinese officials attended a briefing for the diplomatic corp on AUKUS in Canberra after failing to take up early invitations for one.
Mr Albanese did not take questions from the media but said in a brief statement for TV cameras: “Australia is investing in our capability but we’re also investing in our relationships and it’s wonderful to be welcomed here by Prime Minister Rabuka here in Fiji”. Mr Albanese was given a traditional sevusevu ceremonial welcome, which included drinking a coconut shell of kava.Mr Rabuka asked Mr Albanese if he liked the traditional drink after he gulped it down, with Mr Albanese replying it was “very good”.Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she had offered her Chinese counterpart a briefing following their recent meeting in New Delhi, the embassy in Beijing had reached out as well.
China says the transfer of weapons grade highly enriched uranium is against the treaty but the government maintains the reactors will be delivered to Australia sealed and remain shut for the 30 year life of the submarines. It has been in close consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
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