The outgoing United States Ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed departs Fiji on Friday with a sad heart.

Ms Reed’s three-year term comes to an end this week.

Ms Reed says the US and Fiji have a strong relationship.

“Not only in trade, but also in the tourism sector as I have stayed in resorts during conferences and spoken to them especially in Nadi about dive and cosmetic shows, job recruitment and much more,” she said.

Ms Reed said the relationship between Fiji and the US was based on a shared vision of strengthening democratic institutions and processes in the region.

She said the people of Fiji must be commended for their resilience and the successful transition of Fiji to a democratic state.

“The people have been friendly and warm hearted although they do argue at times, but I have learned how to have discussions rather than taking them outside of work.

“I’ve learned to do better and we don’t take arguments outside. We go out there and play volleyball, so we work together and we play together.”

Ms Reed said she enjoyed her stay in Fiji and  learned to appreciate the ocean and environment after extensive travels throughout the Pacific.

Ms Reed would be replaced by Judith Cefkin who would also be the ambassador to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.

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