Fiji, Oct. 6 -- Australian deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles says the opening of the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre in Suva marks a major milestone in regional security cooperation between Fiji and Australia.

Speaking at the official opening last Friday, Marles said the new $83 million(US$41.5 million) facility represents not only a significant investment by Australia but a lasting partnership built on shared security and trust.

"It is an enormous honour, and an excitement really, to be here today for the opening of the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre," Marles said.

"This is an incredible achievement - over the course of two years, transforming what was essentially jungle into this incredibl...