Career diplomat Margaret Twomey will take up a long-awaited posting as high commissioner to Fiji following Australia's decision to lift sanctions on the Pacific nation.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited Suva on Friday for talks with newly-elected Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and his cabinet.
Following the country's first post-coup poll in September, Mr Bainimarama has completed the transformation from military strongman to civilian leader.
The visit looks set to normalise relations between the two nations and is the first by an Australian foreign minister since 2008.
In a joint statement with the Bainimarama government, Ms Bishop announced Ms Twomey will soon take up the position of Australian high commissioner.
Ms Twomey served most recently as Australia's ambassador to Russia and previously to East Timor.
She was also deputy high commissioner in Fiji.
Australia and Fiji agreed in 2012 to exchange high commissioners, ending a three-year hiatus and signalling a thaw in a relationship that has been cool since Mr Bainimarama seized power in a 2006 coup.
Former foreign minister Bob Carr subsequently appointed Ms Twomey to the role and hoped she would begin in February 2013.
However the process stalled as Fiji refused to approve Ms Twomey's visa.
Fiji will conclude its selection of a high commissioner to Australia shortly, the joint statement says.
The last sanctions to be lifted on Fiji involve military co-operation and sale of defence equipment.
Regular bilateral talks between senior officials will now take place.
Fiji has been invited to participate in Australia's seasonal workers program, and its inclusion in the work and holiday visa program is progressing.
Australian undergraduates will also have the chance to study in Fiji as part of the New Colombo Plan.
Ms Bishop will address the Fiji-Australia Business Council Forum on Saturday before flying home.
Australia is Fiji's largest trading partner.
Last week, the Pacific Islands Forum announced Fiji was rejoining the regional body after a six-year suspension.
