New Zealand and Fiji strike defence deal amid rising Pacific tensions

New Zealand and Fiji have signed a defence agreement to strengthen military training and maritime security, that comes amid rising tensions over security in the region. The agreement, signed by New Zealand's defence minister Andrew Little and Fijian minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua in Suva on Wednesday, sets a legal framework for military cooperation between the two countries in each other's territories. The agreement will also address disaster and humanitarian response coordination, and the challenges of climate change. Little said the deal "reflects the value New Zealand places on our relationship with Fiji" adding it was important…