The United States of America yesterday (10th January, 2023) asserted its commitment and support for the Government of Fiji in advancing Fiji’s development priorities and Pacific’s prosperity.
This was articulated at an introductory courtesy call received by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Civil Service, Information and Public Enterprises Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, from the Ambassador of the United States of America to Fiji Her Excellency Ms Marie C Damour.
Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Damour for the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and importance to Fiji and the Pacific family.
He said the Government of Fiji looks forward to strengthening partnership with the United States at all levels and notably the opening of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office in Suva by 2023 is one of the significant steps in accomplishing shared aspirations of Fiji and the United States.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the support that the United States has provided to Fiji and the region over the years. He said the Government of Fiji looks forward to working closely with the United States in uplifting the lives and empowerment of communities in Fiji and also Pacific.
Fiji and the United States’ cooperation in areas of climate change, economic recovery, trade and tourism, were among the key areas of development highlighted at the meeting.
Ambassador Damour congratulated and conveyed her best wishes to Prime Minister Rabuka and the people of Fiji.
She said together Fiji and the United States will continue the strong partnership that the two nations have shared since World War II.
Ambassador Damour said as Fiji and the United States relationship enters its eighth decade, our enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, regional stability, and human rights endures.
She also said that Fiji and the United States are making great strides towards climate change resiliency, maritime security, sustainable economic recovery, and regional cooperation and she looks forward to working with Prime Minister Rabuka and the new Government to advance our common values and priorities.
The U.S. Ambassador is optimistic that, “Our accomplishments now, and in the years to come, will advance our shared vision for a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka presented a “tanoa” as a token of Fiji’s appreciation, to Ambassador Damour.
This kind gesture also demonstrates a strong friendship and cooperation being at the heart of the Fiji’s relations with the United States and all the development partners in the Pacific and beyond.
