Assistant Secretary Cantor Meets with the Presidents of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor has now completed courtesy visits to all three of the freely associated states since being sworn into office. While on travel to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) this week, she met with RMI President David Kabua and FSM President David Panuelo. Assistant Secretary Cantor took the opportunity to affirm for the respective leaders the United States’ ongoing commitment under the Compact of Free Association and the strong bilateral relationships.

“Nothing can replace engaging face to face with the people in the Marshall Islands. I was pleased to have made my first visit and meet their leadership,” said Assistant Secretary Cantor.

Following the visit to Majuro in the RMI, Assistant Secretary Cantor traveled to the FSM.

“Going to Pohnpei was like going home for me,” said Assistant Secretary Cantor. “I look forward to working with both the FSM and RMI Governments in my new capacity as Assistant Secretary and as Chair of the Joint Economic Committees to support the effective use of Compact funding.”

Assistant Secretary Cantor chaired a meeting of the Joint Economic Financial and Accountability Committee Meeting while in Majuro in the RMI and chaired a meeting of the Joint Economic Management Committee while in Pohnpei in the FSM. With this trip, the Assistant Secretary has now completed travel to each of the three freely associated states each of which have an important relationship with the United States under their respective Compact of Free Association.

The Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary of the Interior’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. OIA also administers a discretionary Technical Assistance Program for all the insular areas. Find information about OIA and its work on www.doi.gov/oia, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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