Fiji and the United States have pledged to enhance their partnership to foster economic growth, defense and security, tourism, trade and investment, climate resilience, and people-to-people connections. This commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Fijian 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, allowing both nations to explore avenues for deepening engagement on key issues relevant to their bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its continuous support to 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.’s dedication to bolstering bilateral relations with Fiji by aligning cooperative efforts with Fiji’s development goals.
Rabuka acknowledged the establishment of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) regional office in Suva and the expansion of Peace Corps operations in Fiji and the Pacific as significant contributions. The recent visit of Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn to Fiji underscores the organization’s commitment to providing increased support to the country and the region.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the recently signed Fiji-U.S. Air Transport Agreement, which opens new routes for Fiji Airways, as a pivotal development for the nation’s aviation industry that will enhance tourism, trade, and economic growth. Flights from Nadi to Dallas, Texas, are set to begin on December 10.
Furthermore, Rabuka conveyed his appreciation to the Fijian diaspora in the U.S. for their substantial contributions to Fiji’s development through remittances and investments. He emphasized that enhancing engagement with the diaspora is a vital area of cooperation, especially through Fiji’s recently re-opened Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The meeting underscored the significance of the Forum Leaders Meeting in strengthening U.S. collaboration with the broader Pacific region, with next year marking the third U.S.–Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit. In response, Dr. Campbell reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Fiji and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Rabuka for his strong leadership and dedication to the Ocean of Peace Concept.