Prime Minister Rabuka Welcomes U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Fiji: U.S. Expands Economic Cooperation with Fiji to Drive Mutual Prosperity

Suva, Fiji – Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka today hosted U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on his first official visit to Fiji and held a bilateral meeting to reaffirm the strong and growing ties between the United States and Fiji. The meeting marked the first in-person meeting between Prime Minister Rabuka and Deputy Secretary Landau.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Deputy Secretary and acknowledged his efforts in developing a Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact with Fiji that will bring tangible benefits to both the United States and Fiji. The engagement by the Millennium Challenge Corporation is a significant milestone in the Fiji-U.S relations and holds great promise in addressing critical challenges and development priorities.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister reaffirmed “Fiji’s commitment to the bilateral relationship and our shared endeavor to advance trade and economic cooperation, and people centered initiatives purposed at improving the lives of families and communities for the two nations. We thank Deputy Secretary Landau for his timely visit which symbolises the enduring ties and friendship between our two nations. Fiji remains committed to working closely with the United States as well as other like-minded partners to advance regional stability and sustainable development, core goals of our vision of the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.”

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Secretary agreed that the strength of the relationship today is due to a long history of shared values and cooperation. Both sides noted the collaboration between the two countries in areas of shared interests and mutual benefit. These include private sector-led economic development, maritime security, health security, and combatting the rise of transnational crime, including international narcotrafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Deputy Secretary Landau thanked the Honorable Prime Minister and the people of Fiji for their warm welcome and hospitality. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Fiji and the region, noting “Fiji holds a special place in the Pacific. Your leadership, contributions to regional security, and voice in the international community all demonstrate the outsized role Fiji plays in shaping our shared future. As a fellow Pacific nation, the United States and Fiji share many values, including faith in God, the ability to choose our leaders and speak our minds freely, and a commitment to improving the lives of our families and communities. We are proud to be your partner.”