AFP COURTESY VISIT TO CP

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers based in Suva paid a courtesy call on the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu today, led by the AFP’s Senior Officer Suva, Detective Superintendent Grant Liddy. Det. SP Liddy was accompanied by Detective Inspector Jodie Hurley and Detective Inspector Paul Everingham.

While discussions covered police to police cooperation efforts between the Fiji Police Force and the AFP, both parties strongly agreed that the main focus going forward was to collaborate as a region in addressing the growing threats of transnational crime due to its complex nature, and the vulnerabilities of the Pacific region.

The Commissioner of Police said with the issue of illicit drugs being a key priority for him since taking up office, it was imperative to engage AFP and other regional law enforcement agencies in showing a united front in tackling transnational crimes.

He said by combining resources and expertise, a lot can be achieved as the timely sharing of information was crucial in protecting the region. Commissioner Tudravu acknowledged the enduring partnership between the AFP and FPF, noting the growing momentum of support shown towards not only Fiji, but to regional efforts in addressing shared security challenges.

With the AFP backing the Police Reset, the Commissioner said he looked forward to seeing the outcomes and the way forward in assisting the FPF's transformative journey towards the highest standards of integrity and service delivery.

AFP’s Senior Officer Suva Detective Superintendent Grant Liddy reaffirmed their support, adding the AFP was proud and eager to continue developing the partnership space between Fiji and Australia.

He added that the AFP valued Fiji Police’s partnership as it opened doors to the region, easing engagement in the Pacific, as Fiji has a long standing reputation of assisting regional law enforcement through various forms of police to police cooperation efforts, where the AFP stands ready to support.

The Solesolevaki Memorandum of Understanding between the FPF and AFP has seen increased programs and activities between the two organisations covering critical areas of policing in addressing security vulnerabilities not only between the two countries, but the Pacific region.