Fiji has established a significant bilateral air transport agreement with the United States, aimed at enhancing relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell finalized the agreement in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, during the conclusion of the third day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The Fiji Open Skies Agreement is designed to boost tourism and trade between Fiji and the US. US Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, noted that the agreement will promote increased travel and foster greater economic activity between the two countries.
Damour stated, “Fiji Airways’ collaboration with JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines has reinforced our aviation connections, and this agreement will further strengthen that partnership for the future.” She emphasized that this pro-growth, pro-competition, and pro-consumer agreement positions Fiji among a group of partners dedicated to maintaining an open and modern air services market.
The ambassador highlighted the value of the strong relationship between the US and Fiji, citing a history of peacekeeping collaboration, regional security efforts, and the hope for closer economic connections in the future.