Fiji and the United States today reaffirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral engagements and partnership in fighting climate change, protecting oceans and biodiversity and in COVID-19 recovery.
This morning Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and the United States Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, Secretary John Kerry discussed aspirations to advance Fiji and the United States relations.
In congratulating Mr. Kerry on his appointment as the first United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Prime Minister Bainimarama acknowledged Mr. Kerry's leadership and contributions in global affairs and in shaping US’s bilateral relations with Fiji and the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Bainimarama also conveyed Fiji’s appreciation to President Biden for his strong global leadership and commitment in resolving the critical global issues of our time, especially in recognizing the special circumstances faced by Small Islands Developing States (SIDS).
Reflecting on the difficulties faced by SIDS, Prime Minister Bainimarama sought Special Envoy Kerry’s support for improving SIDS access to climate finance and development finance for their sustainable recovery.
On the COP26 scheduled to take place in Glasgow later this year, Prime Minister Bainimarama said Fiji looked forward to working with the US in seeing more countries present their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC’s). Prime Minister also took the opportunity to call for support in the development of an integrated climate action narrative where oceans; biodiversity; desertification, energy and food systems are brought together in a cohesive manner.
In reaffirming the strong partnership between the United States and Fiji, Special Envoy Kerry commended Prime Minister Bainimarama’s leadership on climate change and oceans. Special Envoy Kerry acknowledged Fiji’s vast experiences in climate change diplomacy which will be crucial to drawing more global support for deeper and bolder climate actions.
Special Envoy Kerry highlighted the United States commitment to supporting net zero transitions and informed that more than $3 trillion had been earmarked for renewable energy related projects for next 10 years.
The Special Envoy assured the Prime Minister that United States will work in solidarity with Fiji and the rest of the world in mapping the way forward to revive the global economy.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together in advancing important issues of common interests to both countries and the region.