U. S President Joe Biden met with the leaders of Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands Tuesday in New York, marking the renewal of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) for another 20 years.
The agreements, which solidify the United States’ unique ties to the Freely Associated States (FAS), were praised by Biden as critical to regional security and cooperation.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), included President Surangel Whipps, Jr of Palau, President Wesley Simina of Micronesia, and President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands.
The leaders discussed key priorities such as climate change, sea level rise, and continued U.S support.
Biden made a significant commitment to improving healthcare access for veterans from the FAS who have served in the U.S Armed Forces at higher per capita rates than most U.S states.
The President thanked the leaders of the Freely Associated States for their continued support of the United States’ growing engagement with the Pacific Islands.
The FAS leaders reiterated their support for the United States’ growing involvement in the Pacific Islands region and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation on shared issues.
The renewed compacts ensure sustained U.S financial aid and defence responsibilities, reinforcing the presence of the U.S in the Pacific amid growing geopolitical tensions.
