An official visit to Fiji by the United States Secretary of State, His Excellency Antony J. Blinken, next week marks a powerful step in advancing the United States' relations with Fiji and the Pacific.
The visit by Secretary Blinken is the first visit by a US Secretary of State to Fiji since 1985.
Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Hon Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Fiji looks forward to this visit as an opportunity to deepen Fiji's ties with the United States in a number of areas including, security, climate change, oceans, trade, and economic partnerships.
"We've welcomed the USA back to the Paris Agreement and the campaign for climate action. Now, we're looking forward to welcoming a US Secretary of State to Fiji for the first time in nearly four decades. The American people and their leadership belong at the heart of our Blue Pacific neighbourhood and we're keen for strengthened engagement with the USA that opens blue and green possibilities across the region."
The Acting PM said that as longstanding partners, Fiji and the United States have been working more closely than ever in forging partnerships for peace and sustainable development.
During his visit to Fiji, Secretary Blinken will have a bilateral meeting with the senior officials of the Fijian Government.
A virtual meeting with Pacific Leaders will also be convened and co-hosted by Fiji and the United States. This meeting is expected to discuss the United States engagement with Pacific Island Countries on climate change, COVID-19 recovery and disaster assistance and advancement of our shared commitment to democracy, regional solidarity, and prosperity in the Pacific.
Both the Hon. Prime Minister Bainimarama and Hon. Attorney General had extensive interactions with the United States Government at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. The visit by Secretary Blinken will be an opportunity to shape the United States future engagement in support of the Pacific Island countries.
Secretary Blinken will also meet Fijians, members of Pacific Civil Society, and businesses during this visit.