20 Mar 2018

NZ Navy to send two vessels to assist Fiji this year

5:23 pm on 20 March 2018

The New Zealand Navy is extending its assistance to Fiji after the deployment of HMNZS Hawea for six months last year.

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Photo: wikicommons

An inshore patrol vessel will spend three months this year on surveillance work and later this year an offshore patrol vessel will conduct patrols in Fiji's wider Exclusive Economic Zone.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, said New Zealand and Fiji shared a deep and abiding interest in supporting the region's maritime security and ensuring resources are protected.

He said the deployment would further links between the two countries, detect and deter illegal fishing in Fiji's waters, and complement regional surveillance.

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