Fiji s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere (R) talks to newly elected Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (2nd R) and cabinet ministers after an oath-taking ceremony in the capital city Suva on December 24, 2022. AFP
"As close partners, Fiji and the United States work together to advance an Indo-Pacific that is free, open, prosperous, and secure," Biden said in a statement a day after Rabuka was confirmed as the island nation's new prime minister.
Rabuka, a 74-year-old former military commander, replaces Frank Bainimarama, who toppled the government in a 2006 coup and became prime minister a year later.
Fiji, one of the most populous and prosperous Pacific island nations, grew closer to China under Bainimarama.
Rabuka has signalled a willingness to shift away from Beijing in favor of traditional allies Australia and New Zealand.
Biden said the United States and Fiji "have also made progress on key challenges -- including promoting sustainable economic recovery, tackling climate change, and curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing."
He said in the years ahead he will seek to further "strengthen the bonds between our people and advance our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific."
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