Fiji and U.S strengthen partnership in trade, investment and security

Fiji and the U.S. have partnered in key areas such as trade and investment, with the most recent being security cooperation.

During a meeting with the U.S. Under Secretary of State Lisa Kenna in Washington D.C., Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue, noting the potential implications of recent U.S. executive orders on Fiji and the Pacific region.

Rabuka says as the first Pacific Island leader to visit the U.S. after the Trump Administration took office, he acknowledges the steps taken by the U.S. to strengthen its engagements in the region.

The Prime Minister says with the Bilateral Framework for Technical and Economic Cooperation Agreement and the establishment of the USAID regional office in Suva, he hopes that the 90-day freeze by the Trump Administration will not hamper plans to advance the USAID programs in the region.

He adds Fiji has benefited from many programs and collaborations such as the signing of the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement between the U.S. Department of Defence and Fiji’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

He also highlighted other initiatives including the International Military Education and Training, and the 2018 Ship Rider Agreement that enables the protection of our marine resources and the collaboration under the International Narcotics Law Enforcement Affairs.

In the meeting, Rabuka also highlighted Fiji’s tourism and agriculture sector, expressing the nation’s eagerness to continue to explore opportunities and strengthen our trade relations further.

He adds Fiji looks forward to working with the U.S. to ensure that our relations continue to grow from strength to strength.