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The United States government has announced the signing of a new agreement with the Fijian government.
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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa earlier this month to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was part of the US Defense secretary’s 12th trip to the Indo-Pacific since taking office.
The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is aimed at enabling the efficient transfer of fuel and medical supplies and the use of maintenance facilities during emergencies.
“This agreement will mean closer ties and closer logistics cooperation between our forces, including for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Austin, speaking during a press conference.
“Our relationship is rooted in common values and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“The Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre, and our partnership with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The secretary signed the new agreement alongside Fijian officials during a ceremony at Black Rock Camp.
In addition to finalising the ACSA agreement, the two countries announced the beginning of formal negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement that will empower the two countries to work more closely together.
Austin also announced that the US will provide US$4.9 million in foreign military financing for small-arms recapitalisation for Fijian forces, pending congressional approval.
In addition to Fiji, Austin met with key US partners in Australia, the Philippines, and Laos.
In Darwin, Austin met with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen as part of the 14th Trilateral Defense Minister’s Meeting (TDMM).
In a joint statement following the TDMM, the three leaders announced that Japan will increase its participation in Australia-US force posture cooperation activities, including through annual trilateral amphibious training among the Australian Defense Force, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and the US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.
The joint statement also outlines steps to increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific, including Australia’s participation in the Japan-US Bilateral Information Analysis Cell.
Following his visit to Darwin, Austin proceeded to the Philippines, where he met with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro.
“We’ve been focused on working with countries, like-minded countries to promote an open and secure Indo-Pacific region where countries can protect their interests and also feel free to sail international waterways and fly international skies wherever international law will allow,” Austin said.
“We’ve accomplished a great deal.”
