Prime Minister Rabuka holds talks with U.S Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell
28/08/2024
Presentation at the leadership Fiji
29/08/2024Published On: 29/08/2024
Fiji stands ready to collaborate with American Samoa and other non-self-governing Pacific Island Countries and Territories in areas of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka revealed this during a bilateral meeting with the Governor of American Samoa Honourable Mr. Lemanu P.S. Mauga on the margins of the 53rd session of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga.
During the meeting, PM Rabuka expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to discuss potential bilateral and regional cooperation.
As neighbours, he informed Hon. Mauga that we share the same Ocean and face common environmental and social challenges which we can work together to addressing them.
PM Rabuka highlighted that there is potential for collaboration between Fiji and American Samoa across various sectors.
He noted that several agreements are already in place, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
On regional issues, PM Rabuka acknowledged American Samoa’s application for associate membership at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
He underscored the ongoing work with the PIF’s Review of its Regional Architecture which has implications on the categories of membership.
He is hopeful that this work will be completed before the next PIF Leaders’ meeting in Solomon Islands in 2025.
In concluding, PM Rabuka expressed optimism on continued collaboration, deeper and meaningful engagements going forward with American Samoa.
Honourable Mauga, in his response, thanked the PM for the opportunity to meet, expressing American Samoa’s interest in cooperating with Fiji in areas of common interest.
