Pending US National Congress approval, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will be receiving $4.9 million dollars to help with what has been termed the ‘modernization through enhanced Foreign Military Financing’.
And in announcing this in Nadi over the weekend, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said this was to further help the work already done in Fiji and in the region in upskilling of resources, infrastructure and personnel.
“There will be continued exchanges of personnel on a rotation routine and we hope this will enhance the work of the Fiji Military.”
The Defense Secretary also signed the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) which is aimed at deepening defense cooperation between the USA and Fiji.
“The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with Fiji, will bolster bilateral logistics cooperation, by enabling efficient transfer of fuel and medical supplies as well as use of maintenance facilities during emergencies.”
On whether the new American administration would affect policies already in place in Fiji and around the Pacific, the Defense Secretary said he was confident the work would continue.
“I can’t tell you what the next administration will be doing in terms of policy adjustments and that nature, but I can tell you that I am absolutely proud of the work we’ve done advancing things in a number of areas and strengthening our relationship, and we will continue to invest in our relationship. That is profoundly in both of our interest to continue to do so.”
“I truly believe that this relationship will endure far beyond transition of administration, the US enjoys the strongest network of allies and partners in the world. Our relationship has enabled us to sustain our efforts and to endure a number of challenges globally and I am confident that our strong relationship will continue.”
