The United States and Fiji share a multi-ethnic heritage and a history of close cooperation to promote economic prosperity and security.

They also tackle shared challenges, including the climate crisis.

From COVID-19 vaccine deliveries to programs that maintain maritime sovereignty and security throughout the region, from empowering youth and developing women’s entrepreneurship skills to pre- serving culture, the thread that runs through all its engagements is that these countries are working together to deliver concrete results for people on issues that affect their lives.

U.S. Embassy’s Regional Public Affairs Officer, Stephanie Fitzmaurice said they had awarded more than $300,000 in small grants to boost economic resilience and women’s economic empowerment.

“In 2020, we launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs to increase women entrepreneurs’ core business and networking skills,” she said.

“Earlier this year, the United States was very pleased that Fiji joined us and 12 other Indo-Pacific partners to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Frame- work, or IPEF, which is a 21st century economic arrangement designed to tackle 21st century economic challenges.”

Ms Fitzmaurice said U.S. support for Fiji and the Pacific Islands did not waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In July 2021, the United States provided Fiji 150,080 doses of the Moderna vaccine through the COVAX Facility,” she added.

“On the climate front, the United States and Fiji are pushing the world’s major economies to increase their ambitions and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions ahead of COP27 in Egypt this year.”

She said they were equally committed to working with Fiji and other Pacific Islands to adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change, including through additional financing for climate adaptation and resilience projects.

“Finally, security cooperation activities include training and equipping Fiji’s security forces and joint maritime security initiatives to assist Fiji in its goal of serving as a regional hub for training and excellence,” Ms Fitzmaurice said.

She said the United States and Fiji had a very special bond, based on partnership, peace and friendship.

“On this U.S. Independence Day, we celebrate our freedom, American traditions, and the many blessings and values that our countries share, including freedom, prosperity, family and faith.”

Feedback: shreeya.verma@fijisun.com.fj