Fiji has entered into a significant bilateral air transport agreement with the United States, aimed at enhancing the relationship between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, during the concluding session of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
This new Fiji Open Skies Agreement is expected to facilitate increased tourism and trade between Fiji and the US.
US Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, emphasized that the agreement will promote reciprocal travel and enhance economic activities between both countries. She noted that Fiji Airways’ collaboration with JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines has fortified their aviation ties, and this agreement will further strengthen those partnerships for the future.
Damour added, “By finalizing this pro-growth, pro-competition, and pro-consumer agreement, Fiji aligns itself with a network of partners dedicated to upholding an open and modern air services market.”
She also highlighted the importance of the longstanding relations between the US and Fiji, rooted in peacekeeping cooperation and regional security, with the hope of fostering closer economic ties moving forward.