The United States will set up an Embassy in Tonga, subject to congressional discussions, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced today, along with other new actions, as they step up their commitment to the Pacific region.

"We recognize that in recent years, the Pacific Islands may not have received the diplomatic attention and support that you deserve. So today, I am here to tell you directly: We are going to change that."

The Vice-President, who virtually addressed the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting today, 13 July, said the United States is a proud Pacific nation, with an enduring commitment to the Pacific Islands.

"This is why President Joe Biden and I seek to strengthen our partnership with you."

She said in recent months, they had discussed, consulted extensively and candidly issues with Pacific Islands, which resulted in a series of actions responsive to Pacific priorities, and which they believe will facilitate our engagement moving forward.

"To start, the United States will launch the process to establish two new embassies in the region: one in Tonga, one in Kiribati."

“We will also appoint the first-ever United States Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum, return the Peace Corps volunteers to the region. While, USAID is taking steps to expand its footprint to include re-establishing a regional mission in Suva, Fiji.

“All of these steps will enable us to increase our engagement, and develop and deliver concrete results,” she said.

"The history and the future of the Pacific Islands and the United States are inextricably linked. We have historic bonds going back generations, and shared fights for freedom and for liberty."

Last year, President Biden was the first United States President to address this forum. Secretary of State Blinken had also traveled to Fiji this year and launched their Indo-Pacific Strategy, which they plan to build on in the coming months.

"We will significantly deepen our engagement in the Pacific Islands. We will embark on a new chapter in our partnership, a chapter with increased American presence where we commit to work with you in the short and long term to take on the most pressing issues that you face."

Triple U.S. funding

Vice-President Harris also announced their plan to triple U.S. funding for economic development and ocean resilience for the Pacific Islands.

"We will request from the United States Congress an increase from $21 million per year to $60 million per year for the next 10 years. Sixty million dollars per year for the next 10-years.
 
These funds will help strengthen climate resilience; invest in marine planning and conservation; and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and enhance maritime security."

Regarding the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, she said the United States believes it is a cornerstone of our political and economic cooperation, and looks forward to concluding negotiations.

"We will engage transparently and constructively, which means we will listen, collaborate, and coordinate at every step of the way.  We will also work to empower a strong and united Pacific Islands Forum, which will strengthen your voice on the world stage as we continue to work together."

At the same time, the United States also looks to better coordinate their efforts with allies and partners. They also recently launched a Partners in the Blue Pacific, which includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

 The Vice-President addressed the climate crisis, since the Pacific countries are on the frontline. We are working with the world to reduce emissions, she said.

On the economic front, the U.S. will pursue infrastructure projects that are sustainable, high quality, climate friendly, and very importantly, that do not result in insurmountable debt, she said.

“We will continue to stand with you to address the COVID-19 pandemic and work with you to prepare for the next one. We will also continue our leadership combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing....we also want to build on our existing work together with regard to food security, maritime security, education, and disaster relief,” she said.

Pacific stability 

The Vice President said of the importance of international rules and order.

"In this region and around the world, the United States believes it is important to strengthen the international rules based order, to defend it, to promote it and to build on it. "

She said these international rules and norms had brought peace and stability to the Pacific for more than 75-years

Principles that importantly state that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected; principles that allow all states, big and small, to conduct their affairs free from aggression or coercion.

“At a time, when we see bad actors seeking to undermine the rules-based order, we must stand united. We must remind ourselves that upholding a system of laws, institutions and common understandings-well, this is how we ensure stability and, indeed, prosperity around the world,” she said.

"We will continue to work with all of you, and all of our partners and allies, to craft new rules and norms for future frontiers grounded in our shared values of openness, transparency, and fairness."

In addition, all of us convened here, we recognize there is so much we can do together. We have a strong foundation and we will build on this and embark on a new chapter, all in the spirit of partnership, friendship and respect, said Vice President Harris.

Tonga is represented at the Forum by the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku.