Local border and naval officers will be working with their US counterparts in the protection of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zones from transnational crimes.
A ship rider agreement signed between the Fijian Government and the United States today allows the two sides to exchange information, technical expertise and resources.
It will also allow officers from both sides to observe, protect, board, and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within the Fiji waters.
Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says this agreement has been outstanding for some time.
“Navy officials and also our border control people can work with you in going into yachts and vessels entering our seas to investigate and to look at drug trafficking and unreported and unregulated fishing.”
The US also supports maritime security through participation in the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s regional surveillance operations, inspections and other activities under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
