KOROR, Palau — September 5, 2026 — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Mr. Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), formally signed an agreement regarding the establishment of ADB’s North Pacific Subregional Office in the FSM.
The signing, held on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, marks a significant milestone for the FSM and ADB in their partnership to establish the North Pacific Subregional Office. Once operational, the office will further strengthen ADB’s presence in the North Pacific and bring its services closer to the countries and communities it serves.
The ceremony was joined by His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
President Simina welcomed the agreement as a strong expression of confidence in the region and its people.
“The presence of an ADB office in Micronesia reflects confidence in our region and in the collective potential of our people,” President Simina said. “It will bring ADB closer to the communities, governments, and institutions it serves, strengthening dialogue, improving coordination, and helping ensure that development assistance is responsive to the realities and priorities of our island nations.”
Although headquartered in the FSM, the Subregional Office will serve the wider North Pacific, including Palau and the Marshall Islands. It will provide an important platform for closer cooperation on shared priorities, including climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, energy security, connectivity, human development, and inclusive private-sector growth.
President Whipps and President Heine welcomed the establishment of the office and echoed President Simina’s views on its anticipated benefits for the three North Pacific nations.
President Simina reaffirmed the FSM’s commitment to working closely with ADB and its regional partners to ensure that, once operational, the office becomes an effective center for engagement, innovation, and practical results. He also welcomed the establishment of the North Pacific Private Sector Hub in Palau, noting that the two initiatives will help mobilize investment, expand opportunities, and strengthen the resilience of North Pacific economies.
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