Fiji and the United States have pledged to enhance their partnership to foster economic growth, defense, security, tourism, trade and investment, climate resilience, and connections between their people.
This commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell. The meeting took place alongside the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) and served as a platform for both nations to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration on bilateral and multilateral issues important to them.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed his gratitude to the U.S. for its continued support of Fiji and the wider Pacific region through initiatives that promote socio-economic development, climate resilience, and regional peace and security. He welcomed the U.S. intention to strengthen bilateral ties by aligning cooperative efforts with Fiji’s development priorities.
Rabuka acknowledged the U.S. commitment to establishing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) regional office in Suva and expanding Peace Corps operations in Fiji and the Pacific region. The recent visit from Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn emphasized their dedication to increasing support for Fiji and surrounding areas.
The Prime Minister also praised the new Fiji-U.S. Air Transport Agreement (ATA), which opens up additional routes for Fiji Airways. The ATA, signed by Rabuka and Dr. Campbell following Cabinet approval, is expected to significantly impact Fiji’s aviation sector and boost tourism, trade, and the economy. Flights from Nadi to Dallas, Texas, are set to begin on December 10.
Furthermore, Rabuka acknowledged the contributions of the Fijian diaspora in the U.S. to Fiji’s growth through remittances and investments, highlighting that enhancing engagement with the diaspora is a key area for cooperation. This goal will be pursued through Fiji’s recently reopened Embassy in Washington D.C.
The meeting underscored the significance of the Forum Leaders Meeting in advancing U.S. collaboration with the broader Pacific region, especially as next year marks the third U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit. In response, Dr. Campbell reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening its relationship with Fiji and expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Rabuka’s leadership and dedication to the Ocean of Peace Concept.