Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - In a meeting with officials in Samoa and Tonga on Friday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman di...
 |
| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - In a meeting with officials in Samoa and Tonga on Friday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman discussed climate change, ocean security, and prospects for collaboration as Washington tries to re-engage with the area amid worries about expanding Chinese influence.
The senior American diplomat's visit is a stop on a lengthy tour of Pacific countries.
At a press conference, Sherman stated that she was in the area to observe and learn, and that her meeting with the prime minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, had been fruitful.
In Sherman's words, "Our two countries share a dedication to essential democratic ideals, including respect for human rights, a commitment to upholding freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and a strong belief in the significance of a free and open press." "I'm looking forward to our friendship continuing."
This year, a number of senior U.S. diplomats have been to the South Pacific as geostrategic rivalry in the area intensifies. Following Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in early June, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Samoa and Tonga in May.
Sherman attested. Although a date has not been set, representatives from the Pacific were invited to pay President Joe Biden a visit at the White House in September.
Mata'afa expressed gratitude for the United States' change in position on climate change and participation in ocean governance. Samoa, according to her, was eager to look into potential collaboration opportunities with the US.
Sherman visited with King Tupou VI of Tonga, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Siaosi Sovaleni to commemorate 50 years of bilateral ties and to talk about constructing a U.S. embassy.
According to the U.S. State Department, they talked on strengthening regional security ties, addressing climate change, and enhancing public health collaboration.
The Solomon Islands will commemorate World War Two, and Australia and New Zealand will be stops on Sherman's Pacific tour.
