The US, Australia and New Zealand have released a trilateral joint statement that they will work closely to assist Fiji in returning to democracy.
According to the US Department of State spokesperson in Washington DC, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Richard Marles and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully met in Rarotonga late last week.
They also affirmed their intent to work jointly to encourage Fiji’s early return to democracy, including through restoration of the rule of law, strengthening civil society, and rebuilding democratic institutions.
The countries also agreed to promote cooperation in the Pacific.
Australia and New Zealand welcomed the commitment of the United States to the Pacific demonstrated by Secretary Clinton’s attendance at the Post Forum Dialogue in Cook Islands.
The participants discussed their countries’ long-standing partnerships with the governments and peoples of Pacific Island countries to promote economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security.
They affirmed their common interest in advancing regional development in the Pacific, including by promoting effective and efficient coordination of development assistance.
The participants noted the importance of maritime surveillance cooperation and coordination, with a view to enhancing the capacity of Pacific Island countries.
The United States discussed with Australia and New Zealand the effort to expand shiprider opportunities with Pacific Island countries, to help bolster maritime security in the region.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
