Prime Minister Rabuka holds talks with U.S Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell

Fiji and the United States of America (U.S.A.) committed to strengthen relations to promote economic growth, defence and security, tourism, trade and investment, climate resilience and people to people links.

This was conveyed at a bilateral convened between Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell.

The meeting held on the sidelines of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) was an opportunity for Fiji and the U.S. to look at prospects to deepen engagement on issues of importance for both multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked the U.S. for ongoing support rendered to Fiji and the broader Pacific region through initiatives aimed at advancing socio-economic development, climate resilience and regional peace and security.

Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the U.S commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with Fiji by realigning cooperation in support of Fiji’s development priorities.

He acknowledged U.S. for its commitment to establish the (USAID) United States Agency for International Development regional office in Suva and the expansion of Peace Corps operations in Fiji and the broader Pacific. The recent visit by Peace Corps Director, Ms. Carol Spahn, to Fiji signifies Peace Corps commitment to upscale support for Fiji and the region.

Prime Minister Rabuka also noted with appreciation the new Fiji and U.S. Air Transport Agreement (ATA) that now opens up new routes for Fiji Airways. The ATA was signed this evening by PM Rabuka and Dr. Campbell following Cabinet approval on 27 August 2024. The ATA marks a new milestone in the history of Fiji’s aviation industry and will boost Fiji’s tourism industry, trade and economy. Fiji Airways flights from Nadi to Dallas, Texas commence December 10th 2024.

Additionally, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed appreciation to the Fijian diaspora in the U.S. for their valuable contribution to Fiji’s development through remittances and investment. He stated that enhancing diaspora engagement is an important area of cooperation Fiji looks to further advance through its recently re-opened Embassy in Washington D.C.

The Air Transport Agreement advances the two countries’ bilateral aviation cooperation and will bring the civil aviation transportation relationship between the United States and Fiji to the highest modern standard.

The Agreement will expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for customers, airlines, and travel companies.

Under this Agreement, Fiji Airways plans to launch non-stop flights between Dallas and Fiji, beginning this December. Air carriers will be able to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce. The Agreement also commits both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security.

The Agreement includes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services for both passenger and all-cargo carriers, open route rights, an open charter regime, self-handling provisions, and open code-sharing opportunities. The Agreement entered into force upon signature.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the Forum Leaders Meeting as an opportunity to enhance U.S. collaboration with the broader Pacific region, noting that next year will be the third U.S – Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit.

Dr. Campbell, in response reaffirmed U.S. commitment to strengthen cooperation with Fiji and thanked Prime Minister Rabuka for his strong leadership and commitment to the Ocean of Peace Concept.