TOKYO, JAPAN — March 15, 2026 — Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine met with William W. Hague, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior, on the margins of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo, Japan.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening energy security, advancing climate resilience, and improving services for Marshallese veterans in recent discussions with U.S. officials. The RMI expressed interest in participating in expanded U.S. energy supply chains in the Pacific and emphasized the need for improved access to Veterans Affairs services. Upcoming Government to Government consultations in Washington, D.C., led by Minister Kalani R. Kaneko, will address several Compact implementation issues. The RMI also raised concerns about the new U.S. Commercial Driver’s License rule affecting Freely Associated States citizens. The RMI looks forward to continued collaboration with the United States to advance shared priorities.
