The US has helped Pacific Island countries unlock US$0.5 billion to manage climate change - Damour

The US Government has helped Pacific Island countries unlock more than half a billion US dollars in funding to manage the growing impact of climate change.

This was stated by the United States of America Ambassador to Fiji Marie Damour while delivering her speech during the American Independence Day celebration at the US Embassy in Tamavua.

Damour says there is no greater long-term challenge confronting the world today than climate change and the Pacific Islands are leading the world on climate issues, advocating for action that has catalyzed change on a global scale.

She says the United States is committed to being Fiji’s partner and to ensure a prosperous, healthy future for the Blue Pacific which she says is a fight that she is confident we are going to be successful in.

She adds the US and Fiji have a rich shared history and have long partnered to secure regional peace and stability.

She says the two countries also share an enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.

Damour says Fijian and American soldiers fought shoulder-to-shoulder to defend our shared ideals and restore peace to the Blue Pacific.

She further says the US and Fiji are both Pacific countries and our common commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and security remains strong.

Damour commended the government and people of Fiji for the nearly 500 uniformed personnel deployed abroad in peacekeeping operations around the world and along with their Australian partners, they are proud to have helped Fijian law enforcement train and deploy police officers who also serve in UN Peace Operations, advancing the 2050 Blue Pacific Continent Strategy goal of addressing regional security issues.

She says the United States is committed to being a strong partner in these efforts.

Damour says they will officially open the USAID Pacific Islands mission in Suva in August to promote the shared development goals for a more resilient, more connected, and more prosperous region as outlined in the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs acting chief of protocol Rosa Dalituicama says Fiji values its relationship with the US as an important strategic partner for us and the region.

She says our relationship is based on mutual respect and goodwill underpinned by democratic values and close cooperation on international peacekeeping operations, regional security, and environmental issues including climate change and economic developments.

Dalituicama says with our efforts, we are confident that we will elevate our relations to greater heights and ensure peace, stability and the sustainable development of our region and the world.

She says America’s journey of nation building has paved the way for smaller democracies to learn from.

Dalituicama extended the country’s best wishes to the US government for their continued peace and prosperity in the years ahead.