United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, Marie C. Damour, has officially concluded her three-year term in the Blue Pacific and is preparing to return to the United States. In her farewell message, Ambassador Damour conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the leaders, partners, and communities throughout the Pacific, noting the warmth, hospitality, and friendship that she experienced during her tenure. She emphasized that the Pacific region had become a second home for her.
Highlighting the robust relationships between the United States and Pacific Island nations, Damour underscored the shared values that unite them. She pointed to the strengthened partnership in various areas such as development, security, education, health, and economic growth. “To the leaders, the partners, and communities who have welcomed me so graciously, thank you for your trust and your friendship. You have created so many treasured memories, and I will always carry the Pacific in my heart,” she expressed.
While based in Fiji, Damour reflected on her meaningful experiences, which included participating in national celebrations and collaborating with local governments and communities to advance opportunities for younger generations. She remarked, “From dancing with you at your National Day celebrations to working together to advance shared goals on development, security, education, and health, we have made our partnership stronger and brought our peoples closer.”
Ambassador Damour characterized her service as a tremendous honor, drawing inspiration from the resilience, generosity, and warmth of the Pacific peoples. As her time in this pivotal role comes to a close, she expressed optimism about the future of collaboration between the United States and Pacific Island countries, hoping that these relationships will only continue to grow stronger in the coming years.
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