For the first time, a U.S. secretary of defense has visited Fiji, marking a significant step in deepening military ties between the two nations.
Secretary Lloyd Austin concluded his 12th trip to the Indo-Pacific region last week with a stop at Fiji’s Black Rock Camp, where he received a traditional welcome and praised Fijian troops for their professionalism.
During the visit, Austin announced new agreements aimed at enhancing defense cooperation, including a $4.9 million investment in modernizing Fiji's military and a logistics support deal for emergencies.
He also highlighted the launch of negotiations for a Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, which would enable expanded joint exercises and military collaborations.
“We’re also announcing the start of negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA,” Austin said. “Once complete, the SOFA will expand our bilateral defense cooperation through increased exercises and military-to-military engagements.”
The visit comes as the U.S. seeks to strengthen alliances across the Pacific to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Austin underscored a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific during discussions with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and officials from the Pacific Islands Forum.
This visit reflects the U.S.'s broader efforts to bolster partnerships with Pacific nations, reinforcing the region’s security and stability amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
