MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands, July 1, 2025 – His Excellency Wesley W. Simina and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) delegation have arrived in Majuro for the 27th Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF) and, on the margins of the Forum, held a constructive bilateral meeting with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) William “Bill” Hague of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong FSM-U.S. partnership under the Compact of Free Association and highlighted the Department of the Interior’s crucial role in Compact implementation moving forward.

During the meeting, President Simina conveyed appreciation to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum for his decisive support in safeguarding core Compact funding from foreign assistance reviews, ensuring continued implementation of essential programs without disruption.

The discussion also touched on pressing implementation issues, including the FSM bonding policy and the need to re-establish full U.S. membership in the Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO) to move forward with pending resolutions and the ongoing concern over cuts to discretionary programs impacting health and education.

Both sides also discussed the status of FSM veterans and progress towards reinstating the U.S. Peace Corps in the FSM with PDAS Hague acknowledging both as areas of mutual priority and welcomed continued dialogue.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to continued partnership and dialogue between in the years ahead.

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