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US holds 2nd round of Compact consultations with FSM, Palau
WASHINGTON, D.C—Representatives of the U.S. government and teams from both the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau have concluded a second round of consultations regarding certain expiring provisions of their respective Compact of Free Association agreements.
In a statement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, it said that the U.S. and both countries continue to “move forward” in discussions and that the U.S. government team also held an informal consultation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which has its own Compact agreement with the United States.
The U.S. team is composed of Douglas W. Domenech, U.S. Department of the Interior assistant secretary, Insular and International Affairs, and U.S. Department of State Ambassador Karen B. Stewart.
“We are pleased that our conversations with each of the teams continue in the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and mutual respect,” said Domenech. “Under the leadership of the Trump administration, the special relationships with the freely associated states under the Compacts of Free Association remain strong, underscoring the United States’ longstanding commitment.”
“Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are making progress on these important conversations. This is a testament to our strong relationships and desire to achieve the best outcomes for citizens of our countries,” said Stewart.
Domenech and Stewart were named in April co-negotiators to lead the federal government in bilateral discussions on the Compacts of Free Association with the FSM, the RMI, and Palau.
In May 2020, an initial round of consultations was held with each of the freely associated states related to the expiring provisions of the Compact of Free Association agreements, Public Law 108-188, with the RMI and the FSM and on expiring provisions of the Section 432 Review of the Compact of Free Association, Public Law 99-658, with Palau.
On Aug. 5, 2019, U.S. Department of State Secretary Michael R. Pompeo announced negotiations with the FSM, RMI, and Palau during an historic visit to Pohnpei where he met with FSM President David W. Panuelo, then-RMI President Hilda C. Heine, and Palau Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch.
On May 21, 2019, President Donald J. Trump hosted Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., then-RMI President Hilda C. Heine, and FSM President David W. Panuelo at the White House for an historic visit. This was the first time that all three leaders from the freely associated states were hosted together at the White House by a United States president, demonstrating the special partnership between the United States and the FAS. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt also met with the three presidents during their visit to Washington in affirmation of the unique role and responsibilities Interior holds in these relationships. (PR)
