The Biden-Harris administration announces U.S. commitments to implement the U.S.-Pacific Partnership Declaration
The first ever US-Pacific summit marks a new milestone in US-Pacific cooperation. It is built on a long history, forged in sacrifice during the Second World War and reinforced by strong bonds between people. As a result of the summit, the President and Pacific leaders issued the Declaration on the US-Pacific Partnership, a forward-looking vision statement that reflects our shared commitment to expanding and deepening cooperation in the years ahead. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to implementing this vision; To that end, President Biden announced a series of ambitious initiatives to address Pacific priorities.
The United States has provided over $1.5 billion directly to support the Pacific Islands over the past decade and today announced over $810 million in additional expanded programs. These initiatives seek to improve the lives and well-being of all Pacific Islanders by expanding diplomatic engagement, including through the historic announcement that the United States will recognize the Cook Islands and Niue, after appropriate consultations; fight the climate crisis; launching a new trade and investment dialogue; provide development assistance; improve maritime security; expanding educational opportunities; improve safety, health and digital capacity; and address painful legacies of war. These new initiatives include the 10-year, $600 million economic assistance agreement request to Congress, which is tied to the South Pacific Tuna Agreement. In addition, the administration’s partnership for global infrastructure and investment aims to deliver game-changing projects in the region.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, we will:
I. STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORTING THE U.S.-PACIFIC ISLANDS PARTNERSHIP
The foundation of the US approach in the Pacific is a strong and productive partnership with the Pacific Islands.
II. BUILD U.S. CAPACITY IN THE PACIFIC
The United States is investing in diplomacy across the Pacific by expanding the number of facilities, officers and programs active in the region. By expanding our own capacity, we will better meet the needs of our Pacific partners. In addition to the establishment of US embassies in the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Kiribati, the US announces:
III. COORDINATE WITH ALLIES AND PARTNERS
The United States will strengthen its efforts to support the Pacific in close cooperation with its allies and partners, including through the new Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative.
Partners in the Blue Pacific: The Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP), launched in 2022, is a new effort by the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to make our partnership, individually and collectively, with the Pacific more effective and effectively. The partners welcome the intention of Canada and Germany to join, as well as the commitment of France, the European Union, the Republic of Korea and India; PBP invites further collaboration with all those who share its values, goals and approach – mainly consultations and partnerships with the Pacific. PBP will focus on six potential lines of effort:
IV. TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE CLIMATE CRISIS, CLEAN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
The United States will continue to play a leading role in accelerating global efforts to combat the climate crisis in this crucial decade, recognizing the existential threats this crisis poses to the Pacific Islands. The United States will address climate challenges in the Pacific with an investment of over $130 million in significant resources, support and partnerships, and leverage an additional $400 million in private funding.
V. SMI FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT FINANCIAL SETUP
The United States will target more than $50 million in direct support for Pacific Island mining to enable strong growth in the coming years.
WE. BOLSTER SECURITY COOPERATION AND MARITIME PROTECTION
Geography ties US security to the Pacific Islands. In addition to its existing capabilities in the region, the United States will focus on investing in security capabilities in the Pacific Islands, including coast guards, law enforcement, and disaster response.
VII. IMPROVE DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND CYBER SECURITY
The US will invest in work with the Pacific Islands to improve the region’s connectivity, bandwidth and cyber security.
VIII. FIGHT COVID-19 AND SUPPORT HEALTH SECURITY
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the world, including in the Pacific; The United States will provide additional assistance to the Pacific, including additional vaccines and financial assistance.
The United States is committed to addressing the scars of war across the Pacific region.
