Fiji has entered into a significant bilateral air transport agreement with the United States, aimed at enhancing the relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the agreement alongside US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, marking the conclusion of the third day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The Fiji Open Skies Agreement is expected to promote tourism and trade between Fiji and the US. US Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, stated that the agreement would boost reciprocal travel and encourage increased economic interactions between the countries.
Damour highlighted that Fiji Airways’ collaboration with JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines has greatly strengthened aviation connections, and this agreement is poised to enhance that partnership in the long term. She emphasized that by finalizing this agreement, Fiji aligns itself with a group of partners dedicated to maintaining a modern and open air services market.
The ambassador noted that the United States values its strong ties with Fiji, citing a history of cooperation in peacekeeping, regional security, and safety, with hopes for even closer economic connections in the future.