USA President Joe Biden announced a series of significant commitments and initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with the Pacific Island nations.
President Biden has announced more than $110 million [$810 million] will be allocated to expand U.S. programs to improve the lives of Pacific Island Nations.
Biden made the announcement at a special summit attended by leaders from various Pacific Island countries. It was marked as a crucial step towards fostering cooperation and addressing the needs of the Pacific region.
“This historic summit we’re making additional and concrete commitments. And we’re launching our Pacific Partnership Strategy, the first national U.S. strategy for Pacific Islands, which is a key component to our broader — Indo-Pacific strategy” Biden says.
During President Biden’s address he unveiled the latest initiative, which seeks to enhance coordination with global allies and partners to better serve the people of the Pacific.
The announcement included more than $130 million in new investments to support climate resilience and to build sustainable blue economies in the Pacific Islands.The funds will also be allocated to address climate impacts on public health and food security while supporting sustainable development.
In another diplomatic move, President Biden announced that, after appropriate consultations, the United States would formally recognize the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign states.
This recognition underscores the U.S.’s commitment to the Pacific Island nations and their sovereignty.
He says “We’re also taking several important diplomatic steps. And I’m proud to announce that, following appropriate consultations, we will recognize the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign states.”
