Fiji has entered into a significant bilateral air transport agreement with the United States, enhancing the relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the agreement with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, yesterday, coinciding with the conclusion of the third day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The Fiji Open Skies Agreement is set to promote tourism and trade between Fiji and the US. US Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, remarked that the agreement would boost reciprocal travel and increase economic activities between the two countries.
She highlighted that Fiji Airways’ collaboration with JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines has reinforced aviation connections, and the new agreement will strengthen this partnership going forward. “By finalizing this development-focused, competitive, and customer-friendly agreement, Fiji joins a network of partners dedicated to sustaining an open and modern air services market,” she stated.
Ambassador Damour emphasized the importance of the strong ties between the US and Fiji, particularly in peacekeeping cooperation, regional security and safety, and the potential for closer economic relations in the future.