Fiji and United States of America (U.S.) have today reasserted commitment to strengthen relations in important areas such as economic growth, defence and security, tourism, trade and investment, climate resilience and people to people links.
This was conveyed at a bilateral convened between Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the United States of America, Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell.
The meeting held at the sidelines of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) was an opportunity for Fiji and U.S. to look at prospects for deepened engagements on issues of important for both regional and bilateral cooperation.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked the U.S. for its ongoing support rendered to Fiji and broader Pacific region through initiatives aimed at advancing the socio-economic development, climate resilience, regional peace and security.
Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed U.S commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations with Fiji by realigning cooperation in support of Fiji’s development priorities.
He acknowledged U.S. for its commitment to establish the (USAID) United States Agency for International Development regional office in Suva and the expansion of the Peace Corps operations in Fiji and the broader Pacific. The recent visit by the Director of the Peace Corps, Ms. Carol Spahn, to Fiji signifies Peace Corps commitment to upscale support for Fiji and the region.
Prime Minister Rabuka also noted with appreciation the new Fiji and U.S. Air Transport Agreement (ATA) that now opens up new routes for Fiji Airways. The ATA was signed this evening by Fiji and USA following Cabinet’s approval on 27 August 2024. The ATA marks a new milestone in the history of Fiji’s aviation industry which will boost Fiji’s tourism, trade and economy.
Additionally, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed appreciation to the Fijian diaspora in the U.S. for their valuable contributions for Fiji’s development through remittances and investment. He stated that enhancing diaspora engagements is an important area of cooperation Fiji looks to further advance through its re-opened Embassy in Washington D.C.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of the Forum Leaders Meeting as an opportunity to enhance U.S. collaboration with the broader Pacific region, noting that next year will third year that the U.S – Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit will be convened.
Dr. Campbell, in his response reaffirmed U.S. commitment to strengthen cooperation with Fiji and thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for his strong leadership and commitment to the Oceans of Peace Concept.
