HONOLULU, HAWAII – October 14, 2025 — H.E. President Hilda C. Heine met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), at the Command Headquarters in Hawaii reaffirming the enduring partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the United States under the Compact of Free Association.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in defense, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, as well as enhancing coordination on infrastructure development and climate resilience. President Heine expressed appreciation for the United States’ continued leadership and engagement across the Pacific, including the growing presence of INDOPACOM personnel in Majuro and ongoing collaboration with Joint Task Force–Micronesia.
The meeting highlighted progress on capacity building through the Working-Level Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) and the establishment of the State Partnership Program with the Guam and Nebraska National Guards. Both sides also emphasized the importance of advancing maritime domain awareness, including the Enhanced Shiprider Program, and continuing efforts in unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance and border protection.
President Heine underscored the Marshall Islands’ commitment to regional peace, stability, and resilience, and welcomed continued cooperation to address shared challenges, including the growing link between climate and security.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration in support of a secure, prosperous, and resilient Pacific.
