Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Fiji to begin a three-day diplomatic visit across the Pacific aimed at strengthening Australia's relationships with key regional partners and reinforcing its strategic presence amid growing competition with China.

The first major event of the trip is expected to be the signing of the new Vuvale Union security agreement with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva.The agreement builds on a series of security and cooperation arrangements Australia has negotiated with Pacific nations since 2022.

Following Fiji, Albanese will travel to the Solomon Islands to continue negotiations on a comprehensive treaty with recently elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale.

Wale has indicated he intends to review the Solomon Islands' security agreement with China while seeking to improve relations with Australia after several years of strained ties.

The diplomatic program will conclude in Brisbane, where Albanese will meet the leaders of Papua New Guinea and Tonga before the State of Origin decider.Discussions are expected to focus on regional security, economic growth, trade and broader cooperation across the Pacific.

The Australian government views these engagements as part of its ongoing effort to deepen partnerships with Pacific countries while responding to China's expanding influence in the region.

Existing agreements with countries including Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Nauru and Papua New Guinea have combined financial assistance, visa access and security cooperation, while also limiting opportunities for Chinese involvement in sensitive infrastructure projects.

Separately, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett will promote a proposed regional policing organisation, PACPOL, at United Nations meetings alongside Pacific police leaders.

Later in the week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to visit Australia, with discussions expected to include uranium exports and closer defence cooperation.