The following is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Last week, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman led an official delegation with representatives from the White House, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Interior, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Fiji. The goal of the interagency delegation was to demonstrate a whole-of-government approach to delivering on the region's top priorities, especially economic growth. The delegation emphasized that the U.S. government leverages its resources, expertise, and influence from across the entire government to mobilize new investments and strengthen partnerships - particularly with the private sector - to achieve the ambitious goals set forward by our Pacific partners in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Boe Declaration.
In Palau, the Deputy Administrator met with Republic of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., and announced $1.5 million additional humanitarian assistance funding to the American Red Cross to bolster disaster preparedness and response capabilities of the national Red Cross societies in the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Deputy Administrator Coleman also launched a new partnership with the Palau Chamber of Commerce to combat human trafficking, which will raise awareness about trafficking in persons, improve protection for victims, and ensure collaboration among partners.
The Deputy Administrator highlighted the collaboration between USAID and the Department of the Interior under the U.S.-Australia-Japan Trilateral Infrastructure Partnership, where USAID and partners are working to deliver safe, secure, and open internet access for Palauans. She also reinforced the United States' commitment to finding local solutions to complex problems such as trafficking in persons, and engaged with local partners and the private sector to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face in the country.
The Deputy Administrator led the U.S. government's delegation at Palau's Independence Day celebrations, marking 30 years of independence and bilateral partnerships. Deputy Administrator Coleman reinforced the United States' commitment to and partnership with Palau and the Pacific Islands region as a whole, and that the U.S. government supports Palau's development goals for more resilient communities, sustainable economic growth, and strong democratic processes.
In PNG, the Deputy Administrator and delegation met with a variety of stakeholders, including Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, local and international businesses, women entrepreneurs, as well as the diplomatic and development partner community to reinforce the United States' commitment to partnering with PNG to increase investment, expand electrification, and support increased peace and security for Papua New Guinean communities. While in Port Moresby, Deputy Administrator Coleman launched USAID's flagship Peace Project, which will empower PNG communities to prevent conflict, promote stability, and empower communities to thrive.
In Fiji, Deputy Administrator Coleman met with Fiji's Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lesikimacuata Korovavala, and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Mr. Shaheen Ali, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa to underscore the United States' commitment to fostering partnerships and help Fiji's growing democracy deliver economic and social progress, especially to address the effects of climate change and increase economic connectivity. The Deputy Administrator and the delegation met with American businesses operating in the region and Fijian women entrepreneurs to discuss market challenges, overcoming barriers, and unlocking potential for greater economic collaboration and innovation in the Pacific.
The Deputy Administrator participated in the signing of the bilateral framework agreement between USAID and the Government of Fiji. This Agreement demonstrates the United States' commitment to the Pacific and further solidifies our Pacific Islands regional mission's presence in Suva, Fiji.
Deputy Administrator Coleman co-hosted a roundtable at the University of South Pacific with students and members of the diplomatic corps focused on the U.S government's innovative efforts for economic connectivity, trade, climate, and business in the Pacific. At the town hall, the Deputy Administrator announced that USAID intends to provide over $4 million in additional support to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and increase efforts to withstand the effects of climate change across the Pacific Island countries.
