Strengthening U.S. Ties with the Pacific: Deputy Secretary Landau Engages Partners in Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Kiribati

Fresh from his meetings with government partners at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau traveled to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Solomon Islands, and Kiribati to advance the Trump Administration's America First economic and security priorities across the Pacific.

The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed our commitment to the FSM in a bilateral meeting with FSM President Wesley Simina. The Deputy Secretary also surveyed the recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku's damage in Chuuk State where he announced the United States intends to provide over $100 million to support disaster relief and reconstruction in FSM, delivering on U.S. commitments under the Compact of Free Association.

In Solomon Islands, the Deputy Secretary emphasized the bonds forged during World War II and outlined a vision for mutual progress in a free and open Pacific. He paid his respects at Guadalcanal, Red Beach, and Bloody Ridge Memorials where Americans, Solomon Islanders, and other Allied forces sacrificed their lives to turn the tide of the war. The Deputy Secretary announced U.S. support through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation for the preservation of the Bloody Ridge battlefield as a site of perpetual remembrance and continuing education. Looking forward, he signed an agreement with Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela for the Peace Corps to return to the Solomon Islands after a 26-year absence. At Honiara Airport, he concluded his visit by announcing that the U.S. Department of State, working with Congress, intends to provide four aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles to enhance the safety of American and international tourists. He also announced the Millenium Challenge Corporation will conduct a condition assessment to determine the cost of rehabilitating the Solomon Islands Parliament.

In Kiribati, the Deputy Secretary attended the Kiribati Development Partners Forum on Kiritimati Island at the invitation of President Taneti Maamau to emphasize U.S. commitment to partnership with Kiribati on economic development in line with the Kiribati 20-Year Vision. The Deputy Secretary announced the Millenium Challenge Corporation will conduct a study to update and expand the wharf on Kiritimati Island. This initiative will lay the foundation for a long-term infrastructure investment to increase access to trade and support maritime security and combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing for the peoples of Kiritimati.

Throughout the visit, the Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the United States' longstanding commitment to partnering with Pacific Island nations to expand economic and commercial opportunities, strengthen digital connectivity, combat transnational criminal activity, and safeguard global health security. Meeting with senior leaders in each country, he unveiled new initiatives to advance a free and open Pacific, expand opportunities for U.S. businesses, and deliver concrete economic results for the American taxpayer.

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