Fiji is the first Pacific island nation and 14th country in the world to join the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
In a statement released Friday, U.S National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said President Biden welcomed Fiji’s decision to join the Framework as a founding member.
Sullivan says IPEF now reflects the full regional diversity of the Indo-Pacific, with members from Northeast and Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.
“Across geography, we are united in our commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. A close partner to the United States and a leader in the region, Fiji will add vital value and perspective to IPEF, including on our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and build a clean economy that creates good paying jobs,” he said.
He added: “The future of the 21st century economy is going to be largely written in the Indo-Pacific, and IPEF will help to drive sustainable growth for all our economies.”
Sullivan says the U.S is looking forward to deepening their partnership for the benefit of both countries, the Pacific Islands, and the Indo-Pacific.
The initiative comes amid President Biden’s diplomatic trip around Asia and China’s drive for influence in the Pacific region.