UNGA81 | Fiji and U.S. Reaffirm Relations

The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara accompanied by Ambassador Ilisoni Vuidreketi, Fiji’s Ambassador to the United States of America (US) met with Mr. Michael George DeSombre, Assistance Secretary for East-Asia Pacific Affairs of the US State Department on the margins of UNGA81 High – Level week.

Issues of mutual interest were discussed between the two delegations, including the State of Forces Agreement (SOFA), US support to Fiji under the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the US’s development assistance for Fiji’s Ports through the QUAD.

Ambassador Mara also highlighted the Visa Bond Programme and the current restrictions to Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.

Mr. DeSombre acknowledged this concern and both delegations agreed to continue discussions through the established Working Group.

The issue of deep – sea mining (DSM) was also raised, with the US highlighting their ongoing collaboration with Pacific Island countries. The US reiterated their support to the Pacific in the area of deep – sea mining (DSM), however they remained highly cognisant of the diverging position on DSM in the region and highlighted their willingness to raise awareness of DSM at the upcoming US – Pacific Business Summit scheduled for February 2027.

Ambassador Mara took the opportunity to update the US delegation on the current Constitutional Review process taking place in Fiji. On Fiji’s tier 2 listing in the Trafficking In Persons Report, the US delegation highlighted the need to take required action to effectively address trafficking of persons in Fiji.

Fiji committed to strengthening relations with the US bilaterally and at the multilateral level.