US Secretary of State expected to meet senior government officials this afternoon

US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken is expected to meet senior Fijian government officials this afternoon.

This will be the first visit by a US Secretary of State to Fiji since 1985.

According to the US Department of State website, the US partners with Fiji to address the global challenges that threaten the region’s security and prosperity.

It had said that Secretary Blinken will meet Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama but a statement by the Fijian Government had said that during his visit to Fiji, Secretary Blinken will have a bilateral meeting with the senior officials of the Fijian Government.

It further says they welcome Fiji’s focus on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate crisis, protecting our ocean, and fostering a sustainable economic recovery.

Secretary Blinken will meet with Pacific Island leaders to discuss the climate crisis, ending the COVID-19 pandemic, disaster assistance, and ways to further their shared commitment to democracy, regional solidarity, and prosperity in the Pacific.

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had earlier said Fiji looks forward to this visit as an opportunity to deepen Fiji's ties with the United States in a number of areas including security, climate change, oceans, trade, and economic partnerships.

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