The United States established diplomatic relations with Fiji in 1971 following its independence from the United Kingdom. Relations between Fiji and the United States have traditionally been excellent. The two countries share a multi-ethnic heritage, a common outlook on Pacific Island regional issues, and alignment on major UN voting questions.
In September 2014, Fiji held elections that restored a democratically elected government and parliament to Fiji for the first time since 2006. The United States participated in a Multinational Observer Group representing 13 countries which assessed the elections to be broadly representative of the will of the Fijian people. Subsequent to the election, the United States has re-initiated security assistance and has lifted restrictions on U.S. financing assistance to the Government of Fiji that were put in place following the 2006 coup.