Fiji and the United States have pledged their commitment to advance collaborations on issues of importance to Fiji and the region, particularly in areas of climate change, defence and security, and economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was articulated yesterday during a courtesy call to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, from the Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States and National Security Council Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell.
Bainimarama says an invitation has been conveyed to US President Joe Biden to attend the upcoming Pacific Leaders’ meeting and Fiji is grateful to its development partners like the United States for their support as Fiji prepares to host the leaders’ meeting.
Bainimarama also thanked the United States for its solidarity with the Forum, while recognizing that there are potential partnerships for realization of shared goals on regional prosperity and sustainable development.
[image: Fijian Govt]
He adds Fiji and the region are inspired by Biden’s exemplary leadership and commitment to climate and ocean action.
Bainimarama expressed the government’s appreciation to the United States for its support to Fiji and the Pacific Vuvale during times of great need, especially in the provision of life-saving vaccines, which contributed to Fiji reopening its international borders and reviving its tourism industry.
In response Campbell says he appreciates this opportunity to meet with Bainimarama to reinforce U.S and Fiji cooperation on pressing global issues like COVID-19 recovery and climate change, and to have a strategic dialogue.
He says their cooperation is critical to advance peace, resilience, and prosperity across the region.
