Fiji to undertake First Shiprider next week

Following the signing of the Shiprider Agreement between the Fijian Government and the Government of United States of America earlier on the 12th November 2018, Fiji is now preparing to undertake its first shiprider aboard a US Naval vessel, to be held next week.

The Shiprider agreement enables Fiji Border Security Agencies to intensify their efforts to provide better protection of Fiji’s borders from illicit maritime threats and transnational activities with the assistance of the US Navy.

To further this on-going collaboration, a meeting was held last week between the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General (Ret’d) Ioane Naivalurua and Charge d’ Affairs of the US Embassy, Mr Michael Goldman.

The two government officials also utilised the opportunity to discuss the pending State Partnership Programme.

The State Partnership Programme under the United States National Guard will broaden opportunities for Fiji to strengthen its defence, civil infrastructure, disaster assistance and people to people relations cooperation through the US National Guard.

It is understood that there will be further discussions between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and US Embassy to progressively pursue Fiji’s interest to enhance the collaboration through State Partnership Programme.