Late last month, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the island nation of Fiji, a first for a U.S. secretary of defense. Though overdue, the discussions marked an important turning point for cooperation in a critical region for American national security interests.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka described the effort as guarding, protecting, and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific.
Austin’s Nov. 22 visit to Fiji produced positive results. The U.S. and Fiji agreed to initiate negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement and reached an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement to enhance logistical coordination. The U.S. pledged $4.9 million in security assistance to bolster Fiji’s military modernization efforts.
The Status of Forces Agreement will expand bilateral military cooperation between the U.S. and Fiji, establishing a framework by which U.S….
