Fiji reaffirms strong bilateral relations with the U.S.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with U.S. Congressman and Chair of the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus Mr Ed Case in Washington this morning (5th February 2025), reaffirming Fiji’s strong and enduring partnership with the United States of America.

The meeting highlighted key areas of cooperation including climate change, security, and sustainable economic growth and development.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between Fiji and the U.S., and the Pacific region through the Pacific Islands Caucus.

During the meeting, the Head of the Coalition Government briefed Congressman Case on the recently-launched Foreign Policy White Paper, which outlines the nation’s strategic international engagement for the next decade.
The Prime Minister’s vision of the Pacific as an “Ocean of Peace” also extended to the halls of Congress, where he called on the U.S. to support this concept, and to deepen its partnership with the region.

On climate change, PM Rabuka highlighted that the issue remains the single greatest threat to Fiji and the Pacific.
While the PM acknowledges the decision made by President Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, he hopes that the decision will be reconsidered as the Pacific continues to bear the full brunt of the climate crisis.

Additionally, the deportation of illegal immigrants from the U.S. was also discussed during the meeting.
For this, PM Rabuka articulated that Fiji respects the sovereign right of the U.S. to enforce its immigration laws.
Fiji has begun discussions with various ministries and international law enforcement agencies in relation to the deportation process of Fijians from the U.S.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for more coordinated efforts to ensure that individuals involved in serious crimes do not pose threats upon their return.

In his concluding remarks, the PM stated that Fiji looks forward to working closely with the U.S. to ensure the continued engagements between the two countries.

Congressman Case, in his response, thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet and discuss areas for further collaboration with Fiji and across the wider Pacific region.

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