The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has emphasized the need for collaboration among its member nations in light of the United States’ recent freeze on development assistance. PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa delivered this message during a press briefing, explaining how President Donald Trump’s decision to halt U.S. aid will impact various programs, particularly those overseen by the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP).
Waqa noted that the halt in U.S. aid affects multilateral and CROP agencies, and highlighted the uncertainty surrounding President Biden’s previous commitments for the Pacific, particularly the US$200 million promised back in 2023. He encouraged PIF member countries to explore “other alternatives for cooperation” to address this challenge, reiterating the importance of unity in navigating the impacts of U.S. policy.
Amidst this, Pacific leaders have continuously voiced concerns over the climate crisis, identified as the “single greatest threat facing” the region. The need for U.S. engagement on climate issues is crucial, as the region is highly vulnerable to its effects. Waqa acknowledged the existing disparity in U.S. policies and expressed a desire for improved bilateral discussions moving forward.
Desna Solofa, Waqa’s deputy, reflected the sentiment that while the U.S. has been a valued dialogue partner since 1989, there is an expectation for alignment with regional priorities. She assured that the PIF Secretariat will continue working towards strengthening collaboration with the U.S. towards shared goals under the 2050 Strategy.
Sione Tekiteki, a senior law lecturer, shared that while frustrations exist, Pacific nations aim to maintain a low profile to potentially ease relations with the U.S. On a more positive note, he pointed out that there has been some authorization for funds such as those for the Pacific resilience facility, which had previously been on hold.
The shifting landscape presents challenges but also unique opportunities for other partners like Australia and New Zealand to bolster their support in the region, as they have historically been major aid donors. Conversations between New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and U.S. officials signal ongoing diplomatic efforts to reassess aid strategies and enhance stability in the Pacific.
In summary, the landscape remains uncertain due to the U.S. aid freeze, yet regional leaders are expressing a commitment to collaboration as they seek to address pressing issues related to climate change and aid dependencies. The proactive engagement from countries like New Zealand highlights a hopeful outlook for increased regional cooperation that strengthens resilience in the Pacific.
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