Austin’s Fiji Visit Focuses on Defense Cooperation Agreement

Austin said the U.S. government will provide $4.9 million to support Fiji’s military modernization, pending congressional approval.
Austin’s Fiji Visit Focuses on Defense Cooperation Agreement
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a press conference on Sept. 26, 2024. Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images
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The United States and Fiji have started negotiations on an agreement that will facilitate “military-to-military engagements” between the two nations, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Nov. 22.

Once finalized, the deal, dubbed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), will expand U.S.-Fiji defense cooperation through “increased exercises” between their militaries, according to the Pentagon chief.