SUVA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has formalized the purchase of a batch of armored military vehicles from Australia to support Fiji's United Nations peacekeeping missions, the Fijian government announced Tuesday.
Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji's minister for national security and defense, who was on a three-day official visit to Australia, has formalized the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles deal with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne, according to Fiji's Department of Information.
As per the deal, Australia will transport seven vehicles to the Golan Heights and three vehicles to Fiji, and will also provide an initial spare parts package, armored vehicle operator and maintainer training for Fijian military personnel in Australia and assistance to Fiji to develop a maintenance program.
"Our men and women in peacekeeping missions are exposed to danger, violence and conflict and their safety, security and protection is a priority," Kubuabola said, adding that the purchase of the armored military vehicles also contributes to humanitarian emergencies to ensure that responses during natural disasters are strengthened.
There are over 800 Fijians serving on UN or non-UN peacekeeping missions across seven countries, including Syria, Egypt, Iraq and South Sudan, official statistics showed.
