Fiji Represented at the UN Security Council Debate on Women, Peace and Security
26/04/2019
Fiji representated at the Global Information System for Sustainable World Conference in Geneva
03/05/2019Published On: 03/05/2019
The cooperation between Fiji and Unites States is envisaged to strengthen through the bilateral meeting held last week between the Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Inia Seruiratu and the US Congressional delegation led by Senator Richard Shelby, Chairman of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee.
Prior to the bilateral dialogue, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau officially welcomed the US Congressional delegation and expressed gratitude for their visit to Fiji.
Minister Seruiratu briefed the Congressional delegation on Fiji’s political and economic landscape and he also acknowledged the United States for its support and partnership towards Fiji’s development programs. He also articulated Fiji’s aspirations to enhance bilateral collaboration across a broad range of areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, human resources and defense.
Senator Shelby reaffirmed United States commitment to Fiji and the Pacific region and he also commended the Fijian Government’s ongoing efforts in creating a progressive and prosperous environment for all Fijians.
The United States provides major market for Fijian export commodities such as bottled water, tuna, lumber and root crops which are considered under the preferential duty free treatment of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
Minister Seruiratu requested the delegation’s support for renewal of GSP in 2020. In addition, the United States also provides assistance through the development projects in areas of addressing the disaster risk reduction and environmental degradation.
In terms of the partnership in the areas of education and defense sector, engagements is already underway to gradually increase academic scholarships and capacity building opportunities.
Defense related activities in the naval assistance for the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring and personnel training in Hawaii and at the prestigious WestPoint Military Academy have been implemented and it contributes further towards Fiji’s sustainable socio-economic development goals.
Members of the Congressional delegation included Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID).
