Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Fiji as you celebrate your 48th year of independence on October 10.

"The United States and Fiji share a deep and longstanding friendship based on common values. I would like to commend Fiji on the 40th anniversary of its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We appreciate your government’s continued efforts to enforce UN sanctions pertaining to North Korea. Our partnership in maritime security contributes to our shared goal of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Fifty years of Peace Corps service in Fiji and hundreds of participants undertaking various U.S.-sponsored exchange programs underscores the deep bonds between our two peoples.

"The United States looks forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and celebrates with you on this special day."