US Secretary of Defence to make historic visit to Fiji

What to expect from the visit

The US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J. Austin III, is scheduled to make a historic visit to Fiji on Monday, 13th March 2023. This will be the first visit by a US Secretary of Defence to Fiji in over a decade. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening the US-Fiji defence relationship and discussing regional security challenges.

Key areas of discussion

During his visit, Secretary Austin is expected to meet with Fiji's Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, and other senior government officials. The two sides are expected to discuss a range of issues, including: * **The US-Fiji defence relationship:** The US and Fiji have a long history of defence cooperation. The US provides Fiji with military assistance and training, and the two countries have worked together on a number of regional security initiatives. The visit is expected to further strengthen this relationship. * **Regional security challenges:** The US and Fiji share a number of common security concerns, including: * **Climate change,** which is causing sea levels to rise and threatening coastal communities in both countries. * **Illegal fishing,** which is depleting fish stocks and harming marine ecosystems. * **Terrorism,** which remains a threat in the Pacific region. The visit is expected to focus on how the US and Fiji can work together to address these challenges.

Significance of the visit

The visit by Secretary Austin is significant for a number of reasons. First, it demonstrates the US's commitment to the Pacific region. The US has been increasing its engagement in the Pacific in recent years, and the visit by Secretary Austin is a sign of this commitment. Second, the visit will help to strengthen the US-Fiji defence relationship. The US and Fiji have a long history of defence cooperation, and the visit is expected to further strengthen this relationship. Third, the visit will provide an opportunity for the US and Fiji to discuss regional security challenges. The US and Fiji share a number of common security concerns, and the visit is expected to focus on how the two countries can work together to address these challenges.

Conclusion

The visit by Secretary Austin is a significant event for Fiji and the US. The visit is expected to strengthen the US-Fiji defence relationship, discuss regional security challenges, and demonstrate the US's commitment to the Pacific region.