Marshall Islands is a sovereign state, Heine reminds US following Trump's social media gaffe
- Admin
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine has called on Washington to observe “mutual respect,” reminding the U.S. government of her country’s status as a sovereign nation.
Heine met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror to revisit the “longstanding partnership” between the two countries and reinforce their diplomatic relations.
According to a statement from the Office of the President of the Marshall Islands, Heine “reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a strong partnership based on mutual respect, close consultation and recognition of the Marshall Islands’ sovereignty as a nation in free association with the United States.”
Heine pointed up the Marshall Islands’ political status following President Trump’s recent Truth Social post, which placed the island nation among the cluster of U.S. territories.
The Federated States of Micronesia, another freely associated state, is also on the list of “U.S. territories,” along with the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump has declared under U.S. control.
According to the Office of the Marshall Islands President, the discussion between Heine and Landau also covered “continued cooperation under the Compact of Free Association, regional security, infrastructure and development priorities and efforts to strengthen engagement with Marshall Islands communities.”
During his meeting with Forum members, Landau announced a $150 million
assistance package for Pacific island nations, which includes funding for infrastructure and telecommunications upgrades in the Marshall Islands.
According to the State Department, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency
has approved funding for technical assistance to the Marshall Islands Ports Authority to help modernize the premier ports of Majuro and Ebeye.
“The project’s goals are to increase freight capacity, improve port efficiency, and strengthen supply chain reliability,” the State Department said.
The USTDA has also approved funding for technical assistance to help modernize the Amata Kabua International Airport, including its airfield and terminal facilities.
“The assistance will address anticipated growth and operational improvements over a 20-year horizon and facilitate aviation partnership opportunities for U.S. industry,” the department said.
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The trade agency will also provide technical assistance to expand the Marshall Islands’ nationwide mobile network. “The assistance will identify optimal technology options, financing pathways and implementation strategies for the Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority,” the department said.
Another breakthrough during the meeting was the plan to establish the North Pacific Peace Corps program to serve the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Landau has signed a letter of intent with Heine, FSM President Wesley Simina and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr to establish the unified program.
“President Heine welcomed continued U.S. support for resilient infrastructure and the return of Peace Corps activities to the Freely Associated States, while also expressing appreciation for U.S. assistance toward the reconstruction of the Nitijela,” the Marshall Islands government said.
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