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Media Briefing with Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown and Ambassador Udall:
Press Release:
Kia Maniua Cook Islands!
US Ambassador Tom Udall says his delegation’s meetings in the Cook Islands this week have focused on the bilateral relationship and how to deepen and strengthen engagement moving forward.
“I was honored to meet with Prime Minister Brown and many members of his cabinet. The President’s announcement of the U.S. plan to recognize the Cook Islands is a particularly exciting new chapter in our bilateral relationship. That announcement and our visit here are the start of the formal process of establishing diplomatic relations,” says Ambassador Udall. “I’ve worked in government a long time, and I know something this significant will take time and work, but we’re committed and we’re underway together.”
“We’ve had some great meetings and conversations this week. I even learned – in theory – how to climb a coconut tree just don’t ask me to prove it!”
“I guess my point is that I’m someone who is always looking to learn from the experts on the ground. And that’s the real reason our team is here. We’re working hard to really listen to what matters to the Pacific, and to the Cook Islands. We are trying to take a Pacific approach, to meet with the community and talanoa”.
The Ambassador says one of the things he and his team has heard repeatedly is how the existential climate crisis is already impacting the Cook Islands.
He hopes a significant U.S. commitment will help and says the United States will address climate challenges in the Pacific with an investment of over $130 million in substantial resourcing, support, and partnerships.
He also underscores that the U.S. is hearing what a key role of fisheries play in the Pacific. Recognizing that, Ambassador Udall says President Biden has asked Congress to more than double U.S funding to the Forum Fisheries Agency- a move that would see it increase from $29 million per year to $60 million per year for 10 years.
“We’re talking $600 million,” he says.
“The United States is a Pacific nation, with a long coastline, an island state and territories in the Pacific. We also have deep and longstanding ties to the countries of the Pacific, our neighbors, partners, and friends. Our histories and our futures are inextricably linked, and we will remain a committed partner in the region.”
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