The United States has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening economic and security collaborations with Pacific Island nations, highlighting investment, private sector engagement, and shared prosperity as key elements of its approach in the region. Speaking at the Pacific Agenda for Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity Summit held in Hawaiʻi, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the enduring ties between the U.S. and the nations of the Pacific.
During his address, Landau expressed his appreciation to the East-West Center for organizing the summit, which he described as a testament to the robust partnerships maintained through the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, a vital ally in achieving mutual aspirations. He welcomed leaders from across the Pacific community, including Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, and representatives from several Pacific countries.
Highlighting that the U.S. is fundamentally a Pacific nation, Landau pointed out the geographic, cultural, and historical links established through territories like Hawaiʻi, Guam, and American Samoa. These strong connections have been nurtured through shared history and collaborative efforts since the 19th century and during World War II, forming the foundation of U.S. relations with the region.
Landau emphasized the vital relationship between security and economic development, noting that the summit aimed to connect Pacific political leaders with American private sector leaders. This partnership seeks to enhance engagement and investment across essential sectors such as infrastructure, energy, tourism, and healthcare. He stressed the significance of these sectors in improving livelihoods and strengthening local economies in the Pacific.
Addressing energy affordability and reliability, Landau introduced innovative technological solutions aimed at substantially reducing electricity costs for island economies. He advocated for the improvement of infrastructure—specifically roads and ports—and the optimization of fisheries value chains, ensuring that greater economic benefits remain within the Pacific nations.
Landau pointed out that attracting investment requires a welcoming and stable legal and regulatory environment. He asserted that capital is drawn to locations that offer favorable treatment and certainty. The U.S. is committed to aiding Pacific nations in enhancing governance frameworks that both attract investment and ensure that local communities benefit while actively combating corruption.
Additionally, he acknowledged the importance of U.S. agencies like the Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the Trade and Development Agency in facilitating infrastructure enhancements and mitigating investment risks in the Pacific.
In closing, Landau highlighted the bipartisan nature of U.S. engagement in the Pacific, asserting that support for these initiatives transcends political administrations. He conveyed optimism that the summit would initiate a transformative phase in U.S.–Pacific relations, focused on shared prosperity and enhanced regional security, setting the stage for a promising future in partnerships across the Pacific Islands.