About the Author: Anusha Seneviratne serves as a Pacific Islands desk officer for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

The United States and the Pacific Islands have enjoyed an enduring partnership and a steadfast friendship for over a century. Community engagement and the strengthening of people to people ties is an important component of my travels this week. I am accompanying Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell and other U.S. government officials from the Department of Defense and USAID to the region, and this trip has only reinforced my belief in the profound possibilities for deeper engagement with the peoples of the Pacific Islands.

Earlier during the trip, while staying in the Marshall Islands, I was able to meet with a fantastic group of community leaders… more »

About the Author: Andrew J. Zvirzdin serves as Political and Economic Officer and Vice-Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands (RMI) extended a warm welcome to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt M. Campbell, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator Nisha Biswal and Marine Brigadier General Richard Simcock, who arrived late last night. The final destination in an eight-country whirlwind tour, the Marshall Islands, has long been a key ally in the region, and the group was welcomed by Foreign Affairs officials at the airport before arriving at the Ambassador’s residence for a brief meeting with embassy officials.

Early this morning, His Excellency President Jurelang Zedkaia hosted a breakfast meeting for the distinguished guests and key RMI cabinet officials. The discussion centered on strengthening RMI-U.S. cooperation, particularly in the areas of… more »