Fiji, US seal historic open skies agreement

Fiji has signed a new historic bilateral air transport agreement with the United States that will bolster ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the agreement with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, yesterday, as the curtains closed on the third day of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

The Fiji Open Skies Agreement will facilitate tourism and trade between Fiji and the US.

US Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, said the agreement would increase two-way travel and facilitate more economic activities between the two countries.

"Fiji Airways' decision to partner with JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines has strengthened our aviation ties, and this agreement will bolster that partnership well into the future," she said.

"In concluding this pro-growth, pro-competition, and pro-consumer agreement, Fiji joins a community of partners committed to maintaining an open and modern air services market."

Ms Damour said the US valued its strong relations with Fiji, given the history of peacekeeping cooperation, regional security and safety, and hopefully closer economic ties in the future.

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