Fiji secures US support to counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Operations

Fiji’s ongoing effort to combat the illicit transnational maritime activities has been recognised and strengthened through the new Shiprider Agreement signed today between the Fijian Government and the Government of United States of America. The agreement was officially signed by the Minister for Defence and National Security Honourable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Charge d’ Affairs of the US Embassy, Mr Michael Goldman

It has been developed through the concerted collaboration between the Fiji’s Ministry of Defence and National Security, Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States Embassy in Fiji.

The signing ceremony held this morning at the Ministry of Defence Office was witnessed by the US senior defence officials and senior government officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is grateful for the fruition of the Shiprider agreement as, it yet again signifies United States commitment towards the enhancement of Fiji’s national security interests.

Minister Kubuabola said the support by US Government will significantly assist Fiji Navy to enhance its capabilities in guarding Fiji’s borders from illicit maritime threats and transnational activities. He also thanked the US Government for its tremendous support through the Shiprider Agreement, which will largely empower the Fiji Border Security Stakeholders to intensify its efforts to protect Fiji’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone.

“I would like to thank the United States officials and Fiji government officials for bringing this agreement to conclusion. It will greatly assist our navy officials and border control to monitor the yachts and vessels entering our seas and combat the transnational crimes and trafficking along with the unreported and unregulated fishing,�? Minister Kubuabola reiterated.

US Embassy Charge d’ Affairs Mr Goldman said the Shiprider Agreement is designed to protect the Fiji’s sovereignty and promote its ability to police its own waters.

“We have been negotiating for this shiprider agreement for some time and it provides the host government to ride along the US coast guard and naval vessels patrolling Fiji’s vast territorial waters Exclusive Economic Zones.

“It provides the ability to identity and possibly interdict the ships that maybe involved in illicit activities and illegal fishing, narcotics and smuggling. The shiprider agreement allows both the countries cooperation to address in a way that promotes the joint security. We are committed to helping our friends and partners in the Pacific. This agreement marks our close friendship and our shared commitment to the free and open Indo-Pacific,�? Mr Goldman said.