Port Vila, 5th September 2025 – Senior Officials from the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu and the Republic of Fiji successfully concluded their bilateral Maritime Boundary Delimitation talks this week 4th – 5th September 2025, in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The boundary talks between the two countries officially began in 2012, with the most recent discussions taking place in Suva, Fiji, in 2019. These talks were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted diplomatic engagements. The resumption of the discussions is a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing mutual maritime interests.
The talks were held in the true Melanesian spirit of goodwill and mutual understanding, with a shared commitment to resolving the maritime boundary issues in a time-bound manner. A Melanesian approach to resolving the outstanding issue was also highlighted during the talks.
Officials from both countries agreed that any median line drawn to separate them should be viewed as a “cultural bridge” rather than a colonial one – a bridge that defines and connects the two country’s historical and cultural Melanesian heritage.
Through an agreed outcome document signed this morning, both delegations reaffirmed their dedication to completing the outstanding maritime boundary delimitation through diplomatic dialogue and cooperation, in a timely and Melanesian fashion.