The United States of America will be providing US$4.9 million in foreign military financing to Fiji after Congressional approval.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted this at the Mariott in Denarau today.
Austin says in their bilateral meeting this morning, they also discussed the security environment and Fiji's role as a regional leader.
He says this includes a new acquisition, a cross-servicing agreement which will be signed with the Ministry for Home Affairs later today.
The Secretary of Defence says this agreement will mean a closer logistics cooperation between our forces, including for humanitarian assistance in disaster relief.
He says they are also announcing the start of negotiations on a status of forces agreement, or SOFA, which once complete, will expand the two nations bilateral defence cooperation through increased exercises and military-to-military engagement.
Austin says maritime security is essential, and the first delivery of rigid, mobile, inflatable boats will arrive in the next several months.
He says they will also deliver a new boat ramp to support maritime patrols over the border.
