To better understand how the U.S. is working to engage the Pacific Islands as part of this summit, it is helpful to view the summit as a way to build on previous work between the U.S. and Pacific Island nations. It is also a way to develop new ways to continue to work economically and diplomatically with those nations. The summit highlights the United States’ ongoing commitment to the region.
Strengthening economic and diplomatic engagement
The summit is being referred to as “The Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity,” and it will be attended by high-ranking representatives of government and other high-ranking individuals representing the Pacific Island nations and the U.S. government and private sector to explore how they can increase the participation of the private sector in the Pacific.
This meeting will allow participants to identify opportunities for collaboration and cooperation and provide a forum for leaders to exchange ideas on strategies to promote growth and development in the Pacific.
The U.S. believes that increasing private sector participation, primarily through investment in the private sector (energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and marine transportation infrastructure), is a critical element of its overall policy toward the Pacific Islands and that this type of investment will increase the ability of the Pacific economies to recover from shocks and increase the U.S. relationship with the governments and institutions of the Pacific over the long term.
High-level diplomacy and regional outreach
Following the summit, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will travel to Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa to consult with government officials and traditional leaders as part of his efforts to strengthen ties bilaterally between countries in this region and to identify solutions for common regional challenges. These trips will provide a chance for the United States to solidify its strategic partnerships and to develop new collaborative ventures.
It is also expected that there will be discussions regarding the alignment of U.S. development priorities with those of the host country or countries. Officials hope that these talks will help ensure that U.S. programs support the specific needs and goals of each nation.
The visits demonstrate the importance the U.S. places on establishing people-to-people connections and on using cultural diplomacy as part of their Pacific engagement strategy.
U.S. economic assistance and fisheries cooperation
According to the U.S. Department of State’s official website, as part of their broader economic assistance program, the U.S. is providing $60 million over 10 years to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency under a 10-year Economic Assistance Agreement linked to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Under the terms of the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, U.S.-flagged fishing vessels are allowed to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the Pacific Island nations and generate significant revenues for the U.S. economy, as well as provide financing and technical assistance to Pacific Island nations to help them establish effective fisheries management systems.
It is the intent of the U.S. that the funds provided to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency will be used to improve the ability of the agencies involved to effectively govern and manage fisheries in the Pacific, as well as to improve the capability of the agencies involved to monitor and enforce compliance with regulations and laws related to the management of marine resources. The U.S. views the effective management of fisheries as essential to both economic stability and environmental sustainability in the Pacific.
Through the use of commercial diplomacy, private sector engagement, and continued high-level engagement between the U.S. and Pacific Island nations, the U.S. hopes to continue to build partnerships and to promote shared prosperity. It also aims to contribute to the security of the region as the geopolitical environment continues to evolve. These efforts reflect Washington’s long-term commitment to the Pacific.
