US strengthens diplomacy with Pacific island nations

Mr. Kurt Campbell, US Indo-Pacific regional coordinator – Photo: REUTERS

The above information was stated by Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell during the US – New Zealand business conference on May 2, taking place in Auckland (New Zealand).

Mr. Campbell said the US intends to strengthen diplomatic relations with the Pacific island nations.

According to Reuters, the United States is concerned about security issues as China increases its presence in the region, as demonstrated by the security agreement it signed with the Solomon Islands last month.

“For America to function effectively in the Pacific, we must do more in the areas that matter and mean to the people here,” Campbell said.

The US Indo-Pacific Coordinator added that the Biden administration will work with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US International Development Finance Corporation to fund projects. in the region, as well as restoring the Peace Corps volunteer program to much of the region.

The Peace Corps is a volunteer program of the US Government, whose role is to provide technical assistance, to help people living outside the United States understand American culture and vice versa, to help Americans understand the cultures of other countries. .

The United States will also increase its support for multilateral engagement through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Along with increasing diplomacy with Pacific island nations, the US also wants to deepen regional cooperation with New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Great Britain, France and others.

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