Fiji and the United States have pledged to enhance their partnership in areas such as economic growth, defense and security, tourism, trade and investment, climate resilience, and community ties. This commitment was shared during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell.
The discussion took place on the sidelines of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, providing a platform for both nations to explore deepening their engagement on key multilateral and bilateral issues. Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude for the U.S. support to Fiji and the Pacific region, particularly through initiatives aimed at promoting socio-economic development, climate resilience, and regional peace and security.
Rabuka welcomed the U.S. dedication to reinforcing bilateral relations with Fiji by aligning cooperation with Fiji’s developmental needs. He recognized the commitment to establish a regional office for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Suva and to expand Peace Corps operations in Fiji and throughout the Pacific. The recent visit of Peace Corps Director Ms. Carol Spahn to Fiji highlighted this commitment.
Additionally, Rabuka noted the significance of a new Air Transport Agreement (ATA) between Fiji and the U.S., which will open new routes for Fiji Airways. This agreement was finalized during the meeting and is expected to enhance Fiji’s aviation industry, boosting tourism, trade, and the overall economy. Flights from Nadi to Dallas, Texas, are set to commence on December 10.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the Fijian diaspora in the U.S. towards Fiji’s development through remittances and investments, indicating that enhancing engagement with the diaspora is a key focus for Fiji, particularly with its recently reopened Embassy in Washington D.C.
The meeting underscored the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting as a platform for enhancing U.S. collaboration with the Pacific region, as the next year will mark the third U.S.–Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit. In response, Dr. Campbell reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to cooperating with Fiji and praised Prime Minister Rabuka for his leadership and dedication to the Ocean of Peace Concept.