New York, NY – September 24, 2024 – Negotiations between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States on the fourth and remaining Federal Programs and Services Agreement (FPSA) subsidiary agreement under the renewed Compact of Free Association as amended 2023 concluded today with a High Level initialing ceremony and signing of a Joint Statement by the Freely Associated States and the US, on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
In remarks during the ceremony, President Heine highlighted the significance of a new agreement with the United States on important services in the Marshall Islands and the signing of a meaningful joint statement with the U.S., FSM and Palau, on the continuation and strengthening of our “free association”. “This renewed partnership will enhance financial assistance, vital for sustaining our fragile economy and improving the lives of the Marshallese people,” said President Heine. The agreements recognize the historical sacrifices made during the Cold War and the ongoing impacts of nuclear testing, as well as the urgent challenges posed by climate change. With this new Compact, the Marshall Islands looks forward to addressing pressing needs while fostering a relationship with the U.S. based on optimism and mutual support.
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Statement of Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine
President, Republic of the Marshall Islands
on the Signing of Compact of Free Association Documents with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the United States of America
New York, NY, USA
24 September 2024
Presidents Whipps and Simina, Deputy Secretaries Campbell and Robert, Assistant Secretaries Kritenbrink and Cantor and other Distinguished Guests:
I am honored to witness the initialing of a new agreement with the United States on important services in the Marshall Islands and the signing of a meaningful statement with the U.S., the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau on the continuation and strengthening of our “free association.”
This closest of possible relationships between nations has now been extended for 20 years, with provisions to continue financial assistance after that. Its increased assistance will help sustain our fragile economy and allow us to better the lives of the Marshallese people.
We’re proud of our democracy and relations with other democratic nations in our region, including Taiwan.
We know the price that has been paid for free societies to exist.
Our joint statement mentions the “extraordinary historic past sacrifices” of our people during the Cold War and our continuing sacrifices. The Marshall Islands experienced high yield nuclear tests for a dozen years, equivalent to an Hiroshima bomb every single day of those years.
Our people continue to suffer from this legacy.
But our new Compact agreements will allow our Government to address some of the extraordinary needs of people whose land and health have been impacted more than ever before. Much more remains to be addressed.
Our agreements also recognize the existential threat climate change poses to islands with virtually no elevation above two meters. More assistance is needed to enable our people to remain in our homeland.
We now approach our relationship with the U.S. with a renewed sense of optimism.
Finally, I thank Deputy Secretary Campbell, Minister Kaneko, Ambassador Paul, Assistant
Secretaries Cantor and Kritenbrink, and the many others that made today possible.
Kommol tata.
