Fiji, May 8 -- Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced a $30 million (US$21.66 million) budget support package for Fiji to help respond to the global fuel crisis, while confirming Australia and Fiji will establish a new Vuvale Union to deepen ties between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Suva alongside Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Wong said Australia remained committed to standing with Pacific nations during a period of global instability driven by conflict in the Middle East.

Wong praised Rabuka's regional leadership and reaffirmed the close relationship between the two countries.

"I want to again acknowledge and thank and express our respect for Prime Minister Rabuka's leadership in the regio...