The United States has rescinded a ban on sales of military equipment to Fiji.
An announcement on Friday in the Federal Register said the shift in defence trade policy is in response to credible, democratic elections in the South Pacific nation last September. The US had restricted its assistance following a military coup in 2006.
Voreqe Bainimarama, who launched the coup and served as military ruler for eight years, won a decisive victory in the election and is now prime minister.
The Obama administration has stepped up US engagement with Pacific island nations as it vies for regional influence with China.
In October, the US said it was exploring opportunities to resume engaging with Fiji's military, including in training exercises and in cooperating on issues of global concern.
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