Aust, Fiji move to resume defence ties

Australia's second most senior military chief has held talks with government officials in Fiji in a move aimed at improving defence ties between the two nations.

Vice-chief of the defence force Ray Griggs is the first senior Australian officer to visit the Pacific nation since 2006.

Vice Admiral Griggs met Timoci Natuva, Fiji's minister for defence, national security and immigration, and other senior defence officials.

They discussed future defence cooperation and shared perspectives on regional and global security.

Admiral Griggs said Australia was keen to resume a full defence relationship with Fiji and re-establish strong people-to-people military links.

Australia's defence and civil relationship with Fiji has been rocky since Frank Bainimarama seized power in a military coup in 2006.

Following the country's first post-coup poll in September, Mr Bainimarama has completed the transformation from military strongman to civilian leader, leading to a thaw in relations.