Defence, Security agreement will Strengthen relations Between Fiji and the United States

United States Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella and Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Yogesh Karan have signed a landmark agreement in defence and security.

The Defence, International Military Education and Training (IMET) Agreement will strengthen bilateral relations in many areas too.

An official statement says the longstanding agreement on IMET that was first exchanged in 1986 allows Fiji to send officers and senior personnel to professional military education and leadership development courses in the United States.

The two countries see each other as allies - a relationship that goes back to the colonial days. During the Second World War American soldiers were stationed here to defend the country against a threat of military invasion by the Japanese.

At the height of the Cold War by the world super powers, there was speculation that the Americans wanted to build a naval base at the picturesque and tranquil Savusavu Bay. But discussions fizzled out when the Cold War ended.

The agreement therefore comes as no surprise for two traditional allies. This signifies a renewed and heightened interest by the US. One thing remains constant. It continues to see Fiji as an important player in the region because of its strategic location and status and influence in regional geopolitics, defence and security and economic development. In the context of COVID-19, Fiji and the region are regarded as relatively safe to do business with compared to the rest of the world. Australia, at this point in time, appears to be the only trouble spot in the war against the pandemic. The agreement comes at a time when China’s influence in Fiji and the region keeps growing. In light of the current frosty relationship between the US and China over COVID-19, it’s in the American interest that it strengthens relations with Fiji and the region. But Fiji has maintained its non-alignment policy with foreign countries. It is a friend to everyone and enemy of none. China stood by Fiji in its times of need, particularly during the political upheaval caused by the coups while others including the US distanced themselves in protest against the violation of democratic institutions. Fiji’s stand has not changed. It will enter into cooperation agreement on its terms that benefit and protect its citizens and national interests. It is expected that this agreement with the US will benefit us not only militarily, but economically too.

Mr Cella says the signing signifies the common aspirations and commitment that United States and Fiji shares on defence and security. “It will surely assist in ensuring that we remain vigilant in the defence of peace and certainly an auspicious occasion as it comes as Fiji celebrates its 50th year of independence and we look forward to building on this in the future,” he said. Mr Karan says the agreement will ultimately deepen the existing partnership between Fiji and the US, not just in defence but also in other key development priorities that the two nations will pursue.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971, they have shared a commitment to democratic values and close cooperation on international peacekeeping operations, regional security, environmental issues including climate change and economic development.

That is set to accelerate under this new agreement.