The United States has announced a series of new economic, infrastructure, security and disaster-recovery initiatives across the Pacific following a regional tour by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Landau travelled to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Solomon Islands and Kiribati after attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, where he announced more than US$150 million in new U.S support for Pacific Island countries.
In the FSM, Landau met President Wesley Simina and visited Chuuk State to assess recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku.
He announced that the United States intends to provide more than US$100 million for disaster relief and reconstruction in the FSM under U.S commitments through the Compact of Free Association.
In Solomon Islands, Landau highlighted the countries’ shared history during World War II and visited memorial sites at Guadalcanal, Red Beach and Bloody Ridge.
He announced U.S support through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation to preserve the Bloody Ridge battlefield as a site of remembrance and education.
The United States also signed an agreement with Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela for the Peace Corps to return to Solomon Islands after a 26-year absence.
Landau also announced that the U.S Department of State, working with Congress, intends to provide four aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles to improve aviation safety at Honiara Airport.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation will also conduct a condition assessment of the Solomon Islands Parliament to determine the cost of rehabilitation.
In Kiribati, Landau attended the Kiribati Development Partners Forum on Kiritimati Island at the invitation of President Taneti Maamau.
He announced that the Millennium Challenge Corporation will conduct a study to assess options to update and expand the wharf on Kiritimati.
The United States said the project could support future infrastructure investment, improve access to trade and strengthen maritime security and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Landau’s visit followed his participation in the Pacific Islands Forum Partners Dialogue in Palau, where he engaged with Pacific leaders and ministers and announced new U.S-funded initiatives.
The U.S said its Pacific engagement is focused on expanding economic and commercial opportunities, strengthening digital connectivity, combating transnational crime and supporting global health security.
It said the initiatives are intended to advance a free and open Pacific while creating opportunities for U.S businesses and delivering what Washington described as concrete economic benefits for both Pacific partners and American taxpayers.
The latest announcements form part of the Trump Administration’s broader America First approach to U.S engagement in the Pacific, with a focus on economic and commercial diplomacy, infrastructure and security partnerships.
