French military cooperation with Fiji

Fiji and France have reached agreement on a military training exchange program, Pacnews News Service has reported.

Radio Fiji and Radio New Zealand, monitored by Pacnews, reported that the acting French ambassador to Fiji, Louise de Corail, said a Fiji training team of about 35 soldiers will be based in New Caledonia during May and June. Corail said a French unit will be stationed in Fiji during the same period.

This would have been impossible a few years ago because of sensitivity in South Pacific countries over dozens of deaths in clashes between the French military and indigenous Kanak militants opposed to French rule in New Caledonia. However, after the Fiji military coups of 1987, when other countries cut off military assistance, France provided military equipment to Fiji. France also continued with naval visits.

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