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In a landmark achievement for the Fiji – U.S. bilateral relationship, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the United States Ambassador to Fiji, Her Excellency Marie Damour signed a Bilateral Framework Agreement today, that establishes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Pacific Regional Office in Suva.
Today’s signing signifies a new chapter in the Fiji and U.S. relations, advancing our shared goals in promoting sustainability, peace and security. It outlines the status of the USAID Office, including personnel and Fiji as the host.
When operational, USAID Office in Suva will elevate engagements in the socioeconomic development, shoring up Fiji’s stewardship role as the regional hub.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the U.S. Government for its timely support, and that Fiji looks forward to the positive work that will be carried out by the USAID Office in improving the livelihood of communities in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
The collaboration represents Fiji’s commitment to work cooperatively with the development partners to advance sovereignty, security and prosperity goals.
The timing of the USAID’s Office establishment is important, coinciding with Fiji’s scaling up of its diplomatic engagements as underlined in the Foreign Policy White Paper. The Agreement illuminate opportunities and provide support for the goals of Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025-2029.
In response, Ambassador Damour thanked the Government of Fiji for its partnership in undertaking such important initiatives that will positively impact the lives of the Pacific peoples.
Ambassador Damour said that during her time as Ambassador to Fiji, she has learned that “there is no greater way to strengthen partnerships and connections in the Blue Pacific than face to face engagement, and over a year ago, we took a major leap towards honoring the Pacific Way by establishing USAID’s Pacific Island Mission right here in Suva.”
Additionally, Ambassador Damour said the signing of the Bilateral Framework Agreement furthers that momentum, enabling the United States to work closely alongside our Pacific partners and achieve the ambitions goals set forth in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Agreement signing follows the soft launch of the cooperation in August last year during the USAID Administrator Mrs. Samantha Power’s first visit to Fiji. The Agreement is a standard protocol established by the U.S. Government for countries hosting the USAID offices, globally.
The USAID Pacific Regional Office in Suva will serve the broader Pacific region including Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. The USAID is one of the largest official aid agencies in the world and accounts for more than half of all US foreign assistance.
