The United States of America and Fiji will continue to enhance its bilateral ties as both countries commit to protecting freedom, democracy, and human rights.
This was shared by United States Ambassador to Fiji Marie Damour as delegates and invited guests gathered at the US Embassy on Wednesday night to commemorate independence day.
The holiday is marked on July 4 each year.
Ms Damour also said both the US and Fiji had a rich shared history.
“We have long partnered to secure regional peace and stability,” she said.
“Our two countries share an enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.
“In the Second World War, when those fundamental rights were in jeopardy, Fijian and American soldiers fought shoulder-to-shoulder to defend our shared ideals and restore peace to the Blue Pacific.”
Ms Damour also stated this shared history would be the prologue for an exciting future for both countries, and she outlined a number of programs that would be undertaken by the US in relation to strengthening US-Pacific ties.
According to Ms Damour, the US Department of Commerce would, in the coming year, lead a business delegation to the Pacific Islands to look at concrete opportunities in energy, in transportation, in health care, in tourism and telecommunication sectors.
“We’re also partnering with Johns Hopkins University to welcome the first cohort of Pacific leaders at the US Pacific Institute for Rising Leaders Program this fall.
“This program, which springs from the President’s summit last September, will bring the region’s brightest minds together to address key priorities.
“In August, we will officially open the USAID Pacific Islands mission in Suva to promote our shared development goals for a more resilient, more connected, and more prosperous region as outlined in the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
“The United States and Fiji are both Pacific countries and our common commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and security remains strong.”
