Development in climate change, economic recovery, trade, and tourism, were among the key areas of discussion between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Ambassador of the United States of America to Fiji Her Excellency Marie Damour.

Ms Damour made an introductory courtesy call to the PM yesterday to assert its country’s commitment and support for the Government of Fiji in advancing Fiji’s development priorities and the Pacific’s prosperity.

“The Government of Fiji looks forward to working closely with the United States in uplifting the lives and empowerment of communities in Fiji and Pacific,” Mr Rabuka said.

He shared his optimism towards strengthening partnership with the United States at all levels.

One of which is the opening soon of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office in Suva this year.

Mr Rabuka expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Damour for the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and importance to Fiji and the Pacific family.

He is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Civil Service, Information and Public Enterprises.

Ambassador Damour highlighted the two countries making great strides towards climate change resiliency, maritime security, sustainable economic recovery, and regional cooperation.

“Our accomplishments now, and in the years to come, will advance our shared vision for a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region,” Ms Damour said.

Entering its eighth decade of collaboration, the Ambassador is confident that commitment to freedom, democracy, regional stability, and human rights will endure once again.

On May 25, 2022, US President Joe Biden nominated Ms Damour to be the United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.

With almost three decades of service, Ms. Damour has worked in five different regions of the world and served successfully in a variety of leadership and policy-making roles.

As a token of Fiji’s appreciation to Ambassador Damour, she was presented with a ‘tanoa’ by Mr Rabuka.

Feedback: adi.sovasiga@fijisun.com.fj