The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau traveled to Koror, Palau and Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) on September 17-18 to underscore the ever-strengthening ties between the United States and these two valued partners.
In Palau, the Deputy Secretary met with President Surangel Whipps, Jr. and members of Palau’s House, Senate, and Council of Chiefs to discuss ways the United States and Palau can further deepen our economic and security relationship, especially through private sector-driven economic development that benefits Americans and Palauans. The leaders acknowledged progress in implementing the recently amended Compact of Free Association and reaffirmed their shared intent to address other needs, including enhanced support for U.S. veterans living in Palau.
In RMI, the Deputy Secretary expressed solidarity with the people of the Marshall Islands following the August 26 fire that destroyed the RMI’s Parliament building and pledged that the Department of State would work with Congress to contribute at least $13 million to quickly rebuild the Parliament. The Deputy Secretary also announced the United States would provide a fire truck to the RMI to bolster the response to any future emergencies. In meetings with RMI President Hilde Heine and the Cabinet, along with opposition leaders and with private sector representatives, the Deputy Secretary reiterated the strength of the U.S.-RMI partnership, underpinned by the recently amended Compact of Free Association, and stressed the United States’ commitment to expanding economic opportunities that will increase prosperity for the people of RMI and the United States alike. The Deputy Secretary also highlighted the U.S. commitment to countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, building on the longstanding partnership under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty.
