The Acting Prime Minister and Attorney- General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia and Pacific Security Affairs, Randall Schriver p[Source: Fijian Government]

The United States is looking at ways to enhance our local defense force in an effort to further strengthen bilateral ties with Fiji.

US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia and Pacific Security, Randall Schriver says Nevada’s state guard is working on strengthening future cooperation with our local defense force in line with Fiji’s long term commitment to peace keeping missions.

“We hope in 2019, at least the discussions will commence with representatives from the Nevada State National Guard. Coming to consult with the Fijian military and develop programmes based on the interest concerns of the Fijian military – especially on how we can be a good partner through that programme.”

He says they’ve had discussions with the Fiji Military Force and discussed some of the key areas in which the US can assist in.

“We had general discussions about the priorities here for the Defense forces and where we might be of assistance. I think given that security challenges and interest in protecting maritime spaces, maritime security, and maritime domain. Certainly given Fiji’s very long and proud tradition of contributing to peace keeping. We talked about how we can support those efforts through training and supporting the efforts of other allies who are assisting Fiji in that regard.”

Schriver arrived into the country on Friday as part of an inter-agency team visiting our shores with an aim to explore and improve on their engagements.