Fiji, May 8 -- Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says Australia stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Fiji in the fight against transnational crime and drug trafficking as both countries move closer to formalising the Vuvale Union partnership.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Suva alongside Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Conroy described the proposed Vuvale Union as a natural extension of the long-standing relationship between Fiji and Australia.

"It's a great privilege and pleasure to be here with Minister Wong to renew our relationships and our commitment to the government and people of Fiji," Conroy said.

"And it was indeed a great privilege to meet with the Fijian Cab...