PM discusses US-Pacific relations with U.S Secretary of State

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama met with the U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and has told him that the Pacific stands ready to collaborate with the US for a more secure, stable, and peaceful region, and also build resilience against climate change.

While meeting at the margins of the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the UN Headquarters in New York, they discussed strategic ways of building a firmer and enduring partnership between the USA and the island states of the Pacific. Bainimarama also thanked USA for its growing engagement with the region, especially following Secretary Blinken’s visit to Fiji.

The Fijian Government says as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Prime Minister also updated Blinken on the outcomes of the recent Forum Leaders Meeting in Suva.

Bainimarama conveyed his sincerest appreciation to the US Government for its support in helping the region secure Pacific Islands Forum solidarity.

He also conveyed the Forum’s appreciation to Vice President, Kamala Harris for her virtual engagement with Pacific’s leaders at PIF, a crucial engagement that demonstrated US's support for creating a Blue Pacific.

Bainimarama also highlighted Fiji and the Pacific 2050 Strategy is a platform for strengthening US engagement in the region.

Discussions at the meeting were also centered on the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Government says the Prime Minister also appraised Blinken of the impacts of the war on food and fuel prices across the region.

He informed Blinken that he stands with President Joe Biden, the US Government, and the international community to secure peace in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will proceed to Washington DC where he will meet senior government officials today.