WASHINGTON (ALETIHAD)
U.S. President Joe Biden will host a second summit with Pacific Islands leaders this week to tackle priorities including climate change, economic growth, and sustainable development.
During the three-day meeting, the U.S. will announce the diplomatic recognition of two Pacific islands, promise new infrastructure financing, including internet connectivity improvement via undersea cables, and honour regional leaders during an NFL game.
President Biden held an inaugural summit with the islanders at the White House a year ago, and was due to meet them again in Papua New Guinea in May. That plan was delayed when the U.S. debt-ceiling crisis forced him to shorten his Asia trip.
The White House said that this year’s efforts would prioritise climate change, economic growth, sustainable development, public health, and countering illegal fishing.
The U.S. will also officially recognise the Cook Islands and another small nation, Niue, during the summit.
The White House in 2022 said that the U.S. would invest over $810 million in expanded programmes to aid the Pacific islands.
Meg Keen, the Director of Pacific Island Programs at Australia’s Lowy Institute, said that, while the U.S. had opened new embassies and USAID offices in the region since last year’s summit, Congress has yet to approve the funds.