Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka underscored the importance of continued dialogue regarding the implications of recent U.S. executive orders on Fiji and the broader Pacific region during a meeting with U.S. Under Secretary of State Lisa Kenna in Washington.
Rabuka, making history as the first Pacific Island leader to engage with the U.S. following the Trump Administration’s initiation, acknowledged the efforts made by the U.S. to bolster its partnerships in the Pacific. He expressed optimism that the recent 90-day freeze imposed by the Trump Administration will not interfere with the progress of USAID programs in the region, particularly in light of the Bilateral Framework for Technical and Economic Cooperation Agreement and the newly established USAID regional office in Suva.
The Prime Minister highlighted the several collaborative endeavors between Fiji and the U.S., notably in the realms of trade, investment, and security cooperation. He noted Fiji’s significant gains from various programs, including the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense and Fiji’s Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as the International Military Education and Training initiative and the 2018 Ship Rider Agreement aimed at safeguarding marine resources.
Rabuka also pointed to opportunities within Fiji’s tourism and agriculture sectors, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to strengthening trade relations. He concluded by expressing hope that the partnership with the U.S. will continue to flourish, emphasizing shared values such as freedom, justice, and the rule of law that unite nations in cooperative efforts.
This ongoing dialogue reflects a promising avenue for both nations as they explore new opportunities together, fostering relationships that can yield mutual benefits while addressing regional challenges.
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