TOKYO, JAPAN – March 15, 2026 – Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine met with U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior Doug Burgum on the margins of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo, Japan.
President Heine highlighted the importance of energy security for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, emphasizing its role in economic resilience and regional stability. Her Excellency expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the United States on energy diversification, including renewable energy and potential participation in regional energy supply chains, and exploring opportunities related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of a broader, resilient energy mix.
President Heine also underscored the ongoing impacts of sea level rise on the Marshall Islands and the urgent need for sustained support for climate resilience, infrastructure development, and adaptation measures to safeguard communities and livelihood.
Discussions further covered key bilateral matters, including Compact implementation, tariff-related issues affecting Marshall Islands exports, and the importance of ensuring that agreed provisions are effectively implemented. President Heine also raised longstanding concerns regarding access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs services for Marshallese veterans, emphasizing the need for practical service delivery solutions, including tele-health and regional care access.
The meeting also addressed issues affecting Marshallese citizens living and working in the United States, including regulatory matters impacting employment opportunities.
President Heine concluded by reaffirming the strong partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States and extended an invitation for Secretary Burgum to visit the Marshall Islands.
