THE United States of America is committed to working with its Pacific partners to counter drug trafficking, illegal fishing and transnational crime that threaten the security and prosperity of the region.
This was stated by the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, during his visit to the naval base in Suva on February 28.
He announced that working with Congress, the United States intends to provide $US500,000 ($F1.1m) in assistance for the Republic of Fiji Navy.
According to the U.S Embassy in Fiji, the assistance is to strengthen maritime security and disaster response through secure and reliable communications technology.
“By supporting Fiji’s ability to protect its sovereignty and natural resources, we are advancing the vision of a free and open Pacific, a strategy that benefits not only Fiji but the entire region,” Mr Landau said.
The embassy in a statement highlighted that this provision of advanced communication technology compliments ongoing U.S. security assistance efforts to strengthen Republic of Fiji Navy maritime security capabilities.
The technology will enhance the interoperability of the U.S.-donated Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and the refurbishment of the boat ramp at Stanley Brown Naval Base.
Fiji is a pivotal security partner in the Pacific.
The embassy states that by enhancing Fiji’s maritime security capabilities, the United States strengthens regional stability and counters destabilising threats.
The U.S security assistance empowers Fiji to combat those challenges more effectively and that it safeguards U.S. interests and reinforces its leadership in the Pacific
Fiji Navy Commander, Commodore Timoci Natuva acknowledged the continued partnership with the United States, noting that reliable communications are critical to effective maritime surveillance, response operations and safeguarding Fiji’s sovereign waters and natural resources.
Commodore Natuva also highlighted that the support was critical in supporting the U.S in protecting its $350 million seafood industry within the Pacific region.
Republic of Fiji Navy said the support would significantly strengthen the Navy’s ability to coordinate maritime operations and threats that continue to challenge the security and prosperity of its maritime domain.
