Fiji and the United States (U.S.) have reasserted commitment to build stronger partnerships in areas such as economic recovery, climate resilience and regional security.
This was conveyed today during a courtesy call received by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka from the U.S. President Biden’s coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs at the United States National Security Council (NSC), Dr. Kurt Campbell.
Prime Minister Rabuka thanked Dr Campbell for his visit which signifies the importance of the U.S. partnership for Fiji and the Pacific region.
He said Fiji is committed to working closely with its partners such as the U.S. to advance economic development and build stronger future for the communities in Fiji, the Pacific and beyond.
Prime Minister Rabuka said in recognition of the important cooperation between the two nations, Fiji is keen to re-open Fiji’s Embassy in Washington.
On the same note, he said the establishment of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office in Suva this year, is a step in the right direction that will unlock new development opportunities for Fiji and the region.
Prime Minister Rabuka said Fiji is grateful to the U.S. for renewing its commitment on climate action and resilience.
He also reiterated Fiji’s commitment to work closely with the U.S. to strengthen environmental justice and energy security.
The meeting further outlined partnership prospects in shared priorities such as defence and security, economy, investment and trade, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and oceans amongst others.
On regional cooperation, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the key outcomes of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Special Leaders’ Retreat.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed his best wishes to President Biden and people of the U.S.
In response, Dr Campbell congratulated Prime Minister Rabuka for the recent general elections and reaffirmed the United States support for the People’s Coalition Government.
He thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for the opportunity to meet in person, adding the discussions they had will shape a stronger cooperation between the U.S. and Fiji.
Dr Campbell also commended Prime Minister Rabuka’s leadership in reuniting the Pacific region’s solidarity and his diplomatic success in bringing Kiribati back to the Pacific Islands Forum family.
“This high level delegation visit underscores the importance of U.S.-Fiji cooperation to advance a prosperous, secure, and resilient Pacific Region.
“This was our first meeting with Prime Minister Rabuka in his new role, and we emphasized that the United States is committed to partnering with Fiji to tackle shared challenges, including the climate crisis.
“The delegation also visited the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and highlighted U.S. commitment to Pacific regional solidarity and building a more resilient, sustainable Blue Pacific Continent in line with the 2050 Strategy,” Dr Campbell said.
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Rabuka, Dr Campbell also met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Hon. Biman Prasad; Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua; and Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Juki Fong Chew and Acting Permanent Representative to UN in New York, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini.
