The United States has reiterated its commitment to fostering robust economic and security partnerships with Pacific Island nations, underscoring investment, private sector engagement, and shared prosperity as vital components of its strategy in the region. Addressing attendees at the Pacific Agenda for Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity Summit in Hawaiʻi, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the enduring bonds between the U.S. and Pacific nations.
Landau expressed gratitude to the East-West Centre for hosting the summit, which he referred to as a reflection of the strong, collaborative efforts with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, an essential partnership for advancing mutual goals. He welcomed leaders from the Pacific community, including Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands and representatives from various Pacific countries.
Reiterating that the U.S. is intrinsically a Pacific nation, Landau highlighted the geographic, cultural, and historical connections fostered through states like Hawaiʻi, Guam, and American Samoa. He noted that these deep ties, reinforced by shared history and cooperation dating back to the 19th century and World War II, form the backbone of U.S. relations with the region.
Landau also pointed out the interconnectedness of security and economic development, asserting that the summit aimed to bridge the gap between Pacific political leaders and American private sector leaders. This collaboration is designed to promote engagement and investment opportunities across critical sectors including infrastructure, energy, tourism, and healthcare, among others. He indicated that these sectors are vital to enhancing livelihoods and bolstering local economies in the Pacific.
Highlighting the importance of affordable and reliable energy, Landau discussed new technological solutions capable of significantly lowering electricity costs for island economies. He proposed that improving infrastructure, particularly roads and ports, alongside optimizing fisheries value chains, would ensure more economic benefits accrue within Pacific countries.
Landau emphasized that attracting investment necessitates inviting and stable legal and regulatory environments, stating that capital flows are attracted to places where it is treated favorably and where there is certainty. The U.S. stands ready to assist Pacific nations in strengthening governance frameworks that draw investment while ensuring that local communities benefit and corruption is actively combated.
He further noted the critical role of U.S. institutions such as the Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the Trade and Development Agency in facilitating infrastructure development and reducing investment risks in the Pacific region.
Landau concluded by stressing the bipartisan nature of U.S. engagement in the Pacific, asserting that support for these initiatives extends beyond individual political administrations. He expressed optimism that the summit would mark a pivotal moment in U.S.–Pacific relations, paving the way for a new era of partnership focused on shared prosperity and regional security.