In a significant milestone for U.S.-Fiji relations, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during his visit to Fiji, marking the first time a high-ranking official from the U.S. Department of Defense has traveled to the island nation. This historic meeting took place in Nadi, emphasizing a mutual dedication to enhancing bilateral defense cooperation.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed appreciation for the United States’ ongoing collaboration with Fiji, particularly in crucial developmental areas. He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthening ties with the U.S., including engagement with the new Trump administration set to begin soon.
Secretary Austin acknowledged the significance of the visit, stating, “I’m very proud to be the first U.S. Secretary of Defense ever to visit Fiji. It’s an honor to be here. Our relationship is rooted in common values – and our shared vision for a free and open region.” He underscored the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and recognized the critical role of partnerships with Fiji and other Pacific island countries.
Key developments from this meeting included:
– The announcement of negotiations for a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Fiji, aimed at enhancing U.S. engagement in the region and building on current cooperative agreements.
– The signing of an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will improve bilateral logistics cooperation and facilitate the efficient transfer of resources during emergencies.
– A commitment of $4.9 million in new U.S. security assistance to support Fiji’s military modernization, pending congressional approval.
This collaboration builds upon recent agreements, including the Fiji-U.S. Air Transport Agreement signed in August and the establishment of a USAID Pacific Regional Office in Fiji through a Bilateral Framework Agreement signed in October.
Secretary Austin’s trip, which also includes visits to several other nations, aims to strengthen regional security through both bilateral and multilateral engagements that modernize U.S. alliances towards a shared vision for a stable and open Indo-Pacific.
This strengthened relationship holds promise for both nations and potentially enhances stability within the broader Pacific region. The new agreements pave the way for increased cooperation that could positively impact security and development in Fiji and beyond.
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