Embassy of the United States, Suva

Embassy of the United States, Suva
Embassy of the United States, Suva
Location	Suva, Fiji
Address	158 Princes Road Tamavua, Suva, Fiji
Coordinates	18°7′1″S178°26′24″E / 18.11694°S 178.44000°E
Jurisdiction	Fiji ; Kiribati ; Nauru ; Tuvalu ; Tonga
Website	https://fj.usembassy.gov

Last updated December 06, 2023

The Embassy of the United States in Suva is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in Fiji. It also provides services to the countries of Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, and Tonga. The embassy is actively involved in various areas including environmental and development cooperation, as well as contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.

History

Fiji

The first official U.S. presence began with Consul John B. Williams on August 19, 1844, stationed at Auckland, New Zealand. A consular presence of the United States in Fiji dates back to before 1874 when Fiji became part of the British Empire.^[1]

The United States recognized the independence of Fiji on October 10, 1970, through a statement by Charles W. Yost, the U.S. ambassador to the UN. Diplomatic relations were formally initiated on July 22, 1971. The U.S. Embassy in Suva was established on November 1, 1971, with Robert W. Skiff serving as the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. The first Ambassador of the United States to be resident at Suva was John P. Condon, presenting his credentials on April 11, 1978, as all previous ambassadors had been stationed in Wellington, New Zealand.^[1]

Fiji had established its parliamentary democracy, which was later disrupted by a military coup in 1987.^[1]

In 2021, the U.S. donated locally sourced cold storage to the Government of Fiji to assist with the COVID-19 vaccination effort.^[2]

Kiribati

The first American consular representation in the Gilbert Islands was opened in 1888. It was located on the atoll of Butaritari.

The United States recognized the independence of Kiribati on July 12, 1979, during the presidency of Jimmy Carter. On August 12, 1980, both countries established diplomatic relations. There has never been an American diplomatic post in Kiribati. Every American ambassador accredited to Kiribati has been an ambassador in Suva.^[3]

Nauru

The United States recognized the independence of Nauru on October 24, 1976 (over 8 years after it was attained), during the presidency of Gerald Ford, and on the same day both countries established diplomatic relations. There has never been an American diplomatic post in Nauru. Initially, the accredited representative in this country was the United States Ambassador to Australia. Since 1996, the American representative in Nauru has been the ambassador in Suva.^[4]

Tonga

The United States recognized the independence of Tonga on October 2, 1886, during the presidency of Grover Cleveland, and on the same day, both countries signed a treaty of friendship, trade, and navigation. From 1897 to 1901, there was a United States Consulate General in Nukuʻalofa. The United States abolished the post when the United Kingdom took over foreign affairs of Tonga. On July 28, 1920, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on behalf of the King of Tonga terminated the agreement from 1886.

Diplomatic relations were reestablished on October 4, 1972. In modern times, there has never been an American diplomatic post in Tonga. Initially, the accredited representative in this country was the United States Ambassador to New Zealand. Since 1979, the American representative in Tonga has been the ambassador in Suva.^[5]

Tuvalu

The United States recognized the independence of Tuvalu on October 1, 1978, during the presidency of Jimmy Carter. On May 10, 1979, both countries established diplomatic relations. There has never been an American diplomatic post in Tuvalu. The first American ambassador in this country was appointed in 1980. Every American ambassador accredited to Tuvalu has been an ambassador in Suva.^[6]

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References

1 2 3 "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Fiji". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
↑ Krishant, Naveel (March 31, 2021). "US Embassy donates cold storage for COVID vaccines" . Retrieved November 13, 2023.
↑ "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Kiribati". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
↑ "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Nauru". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
↑ "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Tonga". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
↑ "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Tuvalu". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.

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[history.state.gov-1] 1 2 3 "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Fiji". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.

[2] Krishant, Naveel (March 31, 2021). "US Embassy donates cold storage for COVID vaccines" . Retrieved November 13, 2023.

[3] "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Kiribati". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.

[4] "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Nauru". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.

[5] "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Tonga". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.

[6] "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Tuvalu". United States Department of State. Retrieved August 4, 2022.

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