U.S Secretary of Defence traditionally welcomed upon his arrival in Nadi

The United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III was accorded a traditional ceremony to welcome him upon his arrival in Nadi for a 2-day visit.

The visit by Secretary Austin marks the first-ever visit by a U.S. Secretary of Defense to Fiji to meet with the Fiji Government leaders to deepen the bilateral defence cooperation.

Secretary Austin inspected the guard of honour at the Black Rock Camp, followed by the traditional welcoming ceremony.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, the U.S. delegation and staff at the Black Rock Camp attended the ceremony.

In his remarks, Secretary Austin acknowledged the Government and the people of Fiji for the warm welcome and kind hospitality, as well as the performance during the welcoming ceremony, and says this reflects many years of tradition.

He congratulated the government for continuing to form a truly professional force.

The secretary adds that he looks forward to a series of discussions while in Fiji and working to further strengthen the U.S.- Fijian relationship going forward.

Following the welcoming ceremony, Secretary Austin proceeded to a rugby match that was organised at the Black Rock Camp.

As part of the program today, Secretary Austin will meet with the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka.

The bilateral meeting will be an avenue to discuss key areas of cooperation in defence and security and other issues of importance to both Fiji and the U.S. and the broader Pacific region.

The two countries are expected to sign an acquisition and cross servicing agreement that will facilitate U.S. logistical support to Fiji quickly in the case of an emergency.

The secretary is also expected to announce that the U.S. and Fiji will begin negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement that will empower the two countries to work more closely together.

He will also announce $4.9 million in foreign military financing for small-arms recapitalization for Fijian forces.

In previewing the visit, a senior defense official says the announcements align with Fiji's aims of continuing to grow its military's professionalism and increasing its capabilities to respond to regional needs.

Secretary Austin's stop in Fiji caps a series of engagements with regional counterparts showcasing the United States' unwavering commitment to the Indo-Pacific amid what Austin sees as a "new convergence" of like-minded partners throughout the region.