Two US Pacific territories are progressing towards attaining associate membership in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the region’s primary political decision-making body.
The Forum has confirmed that its representatives visited Guam and American Samoa regarding their membership bid.
Guam’s acting governor, Lt Joshua Tenorio, has advocated for both territories to secure a seat at the table. PIF deputy secretary general Esala Nayasi indicated that these applications are included in the agenda for the 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for next month.
In June, the US government amended its policy to permit its Pacific territories to join the PIF as non-voting associate members, lifting a previous ban on their participation in international organizations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed support for their applications as non-voting associate members due to their political status.
“We have received the applications for both Guam and American Samoa. The Secretariat has conducted its own assessments, guided by members, to be presented through Forum processes in Tonga,” Mr Nayasi said.
Founded in 1971, the PIF is the region’s leading political and economic policy organization and holds significant influence amidst the global power struggle. The Forum’s 18 members include Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Notably, New Caledonia and French Polynesia are the current non-self-governing members.
Lt Tenorio stated that without their inclusion, the PIF is incomplete. He emphasized the importance of the Mariana Islands, including Guam, and American Samoa, in forming a truly comprehensive political organization for the entire Pacific.
Lt Tenorio asserted that Guam’s involvement in the PIF is essential to filling a gap in the Strategy for Blue Pacific Continent, noting Guam’s historical importance and ongoing work in sustainable development.
Guam has sought pledges of support for associate membership at the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawai’i last month. Tenorio argued for fairness, comparing Guam’s quest for associate membership to the full membership of the Cook Islands and Niue, which have free association with New Zealand and New Zealand citizenship.
He also highlighted the importance of unity on climate change and noted that Guam’s role as a key transport hub, its underwater high-speed internet cables, and strengthened transportation lines due to the presence of the US military can enhance the quality of life in the Pacific.
Lt Tenorio concluded by underscoring the region’s leaders’ responsibility to provide aid and improve living standards.