US will work in solidarity with Fiji and the rest of the world in mapping the way forward to revive the global economy – Kerry

The United States Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, Secretary John Kerry has assured Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama that the US will work in solidarity with Fiji and the rest of the world in mapping the way forward to revive the global economy.

Bainimarama met Kerry virtually and reaffirmed commitments to strengthen bilateral engagements and partnership in fighting climate change, protecting oceans and biodiversity and in COVID-19 recovery.

Bainimarama congratulated Kerry on his appointment as the first United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and acknowledged Kerry's leadership and contributions in global affairs and in shaping US bilateral relations with Fiji and the Pacific region.

Bainimarama also conveyed Fiji’s appreciation to US President Joe Biden for his strong global leadership and commitment in resolving the critical global issues of our time, especially in recognizing the special circumstances faced by Small Islands Developing States.

Bainimarama sought Kerry’s support for improving Small Islands Developing States access to climate finance and development finance for their sustainable recovery.

On COP26 scheduled to take place in Glasgow later this year, Bainimarama says Fiji looked forward to working with the US in seeing more countries present their revised Nationally Determined Contributions and also took the opportunity to call for support in the development of an integrated climate action narrative where oceans; biodiversity; desertification, energy and food systems are brought together cohesively.

Kerry commended Bainimarama’s leadership on climate change and oceans and acknowledged Fiji’s vast experience in climate change diplomacy which will be crucial to drawing more global support for deeper and bolder climate actions.

Kerry highlighted the United States commitment to supporting net-zero transitions and informed that more than US$3 trillion had been earmarked for renewable energy-related projects for the next 10 years.