US, Fiji start dialogue to strengthen military engagements

The United States and Fiji have begun negotiations on a significant agreement that could increase American military presence in the Pacific nation, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on November 23.

Austin's visit marks a historic occasion as he becomes the first sitting US defence secretary to travel to Fiji, concluding a whirlwind tour of the Asia-Pacific region that included stops in Australia, the Philippines, and Laos, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Fiji is at the centre of an emerging competition between Washington and Beijing, both vying for influence in the strategically vital South Pacific.

During his visit, Austin revealed that discussions have started on a bilateral "status of forces" agreement with Fiji. This legal framework would establish the rules governing US military personnel operating in the country, enabling "increased exercises" and "military-to-military engagements."

"The agreement will allow us to deploy and redeploy forces to support Fiji and facilitate more routine training with the Fijian military," Austin explained.

However, he emphasized that there are "no plans" for a permanent US military base in Fiji, stating, "We did not have any discussions about that."

The U.S. currently has similar agreements with over 100 nations, according to the State Department.

Following Congressional approval, the United States will provide Fiji with $4.9 million in foreign military financing, which Austin highlighted during a press conference in Denarau.

In their bilateral meeting, Austin and Fijian officials discussed the regional security landscape and Fiji's role as a regional leader. They also announced the impending signing of a cross-servicing agreement with Fiji's Ministry for Home Affairs, aimed at enhancing logistics cooperation, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Austin stressed the importance of maritime security, noting that the first delivery of rigid inflatable boats would arrive within the next few months, along with a new boat ramp to support maritime patrols.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, a former military commander, described Austin's visit as a "historic moment" in US-Fiji relations. "We all hope this does not signal dangerous times ahead," he remarked while wearing a stars-and-stripes-themed necktie. "Our focus is on peace and how to guard, protect, and promote that peace."

Rabuka, who is generally seen as pro-Western, recently made a notable visit to Beijing, where he secured several bilateral agreements related to trade, infrastructure, and Chinese-language education.

By Tamilla Hasanova