Austin Makes First Visit to Fiji by U.S. Defense Secretary

Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III arrived in Fiji right this moment, marking the primary go to to the Pacific Island nation by a U.S. Protection Secretary. 

The cease is the ultimate leg of Austin’s twelfth go to to the Indo-Pacific, the place he continues to construct upon the robust regional partnership solid underneath his tenure. 

Austin was greeted by members of the Republic of Fiji Navy Forces and acquired a Fijian conventional welcome ceremony at Black Rock Camp upon his arrival. The previous West Level rugby participant additionally took in a rugby sevens match on the camp earlier than closing out his first day in Fiji. 

Austin congratulated the Fijian service members on “persevering with to kind a very skilled pressure,” briefly remarks. 

“And for many who carried out the welcome ceremony, I actually cannot discover sufficient phrases to precise what I’ve witnessed,” he mentioned. “I do know this displays many, a few years of custom and I recognize your sharing it with me.” 

The secretary added that he appears to be like ahead to a collection of discussions whereas in Fiji and dealing to additional strengthen the U.S.-Fijian relationship going ahead. 

Tomorrow, Austin will meet with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Pacific Islands Discussion board Secretary Common Baron Waqa.   

The 2 nations are anticipated to signal an acquisition and cross servicing settlement that can facilitate U.S. logistical help to Fiji shortly within the case of an emergency. 

The secretary can also be anticipated to announce that the U.S. and Fiji will start negotiations on a Standing of Forces Settlement that can empower the 2 nations to work extra carefully collectively.   

He may also announce $4.9 million in international army financing for small-arms recapitalization for Fijian forces. 

In previewing the go to, a senior protection official mentioned the bulletins align with Fiji’s goals of continuous to develop its army’s professionalism and rising its capabilities to reply to regional wants. 

Austin’s cease in Fiji caps a collection of engagements with regional counterparts showcasing the US’ unwavering dedication to the Indo-Pacific amid what Austin sees as a “new convergence” of like-minded companions all through the area.   

Along with Fiji, Austin met with key U.S. companions in Australia, the Philippines and Laos in a continuation to the regional momentum he has constructed all through his tenure. 

“We’re doing greater than ever alongside our allies and companions to take concrete steps towards a shared imaginative and prescient for a free and open Indo-Pacific area,” Austin mentioned forward of his departure.   

“Throughout this journey, we are going to ship outcomes to advance cooperation, strengthen {our relationships}, and construct an everlasting community of allies and companions,” he mentioned. “I’m happy with the historic progress we have made over the past 4 years and the depth of continuous U.S. dedication to the area.”