A traditional ceremony was accorded this afternoon to welcome the United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, upon his arrival in Nadi for a 2-day visit from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd November 2024.
Secretary Austin’s visit marks the first-ever visit by a U.S. Secretary of Defense to Fiji to meet with the Fiji Government leaders to deepen the bilateral defense cooperation.
As he arrived at the Black Rock Camp, Secretary Austin inspected the guard of honour, followed by the traditional welcoming ceremony.
In attendance at the welcoming ceremony was the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, the U.S. delegation and staff at the Black Rock Camp.
In his remarks, Secretary Austin acknowledged the Government and the people of Fiji for the warm welcome and kind hospitality.
The visit further reaffirms the U.S. and Fiji’s ongoing commitment to regional peace and security and stronger bilateral relations in the development priorities including defence and security, economy, trade and investment, amongst others.
Following the welcoming ceremony, Secretary Austin proceeded to the rugby match organised at the Black Rock Camp.
As part of the program tomorrow, Secretary Austin will meet with the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka.
The bilateral meeting will be an avenue to discuss key areas of cooperation in defence and security and other issues of importance to both Fiji and the U.S. and the broader Pacific region.