Positive light on diplomatic relations with US-PM

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said given that the US Ambassador to Fiji Steve McGaan is currently in talks with Washington regarding Fiji puts a positive light on our diplomatic relations with the US.

In a statement, Commodore Bainimarama said it is reassuring that McGaan is in Washington briefing them on the issues that the Fiji government has raised over the past few weeks.

The US embassy in Suva confirmed yesterday that McGann departed Fiji on December 5th for previously scheduled annual leave and consultations in the United States.

A US Embassy spokesperson said while in Washington, McGann is holding discussions with US officials on issues of continuing concern between Fiji and the US in the context of the US policy of increased engagement with Fiji, and in appreciation of Fiji's support in international forums.

It is also stated that McGann looks forward to personally briefing Fiji's Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on the outcome of his consultations in Washington upon his return to Fiji.

This comes after Commodore Bainimarama earlier stated that it seems the US embassy is deliberately delaying the issuance of visas to key government ministers and officials, which is affecting Fiji's participation in key meetings after Senior government officials were not issued visa's on time to travel to the US, Hawaii and Mexico to attend International conferences.

Story by: Roneel Lal