US-Pacific Island Country Summit begins
(VOVWORLD) - Leaders from 12 Pacific island states will take part in a two-day summit beginning Wednesday in Washington, with Australia and New Zealand attending as observers.
 East-West Center President Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum speaks next to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the US-Pacific Island Country Summit at the State Department in Washington, US, September 28, 2022. (Photo: Kevin Wolf/REUTERS) |
Discussions will focus on climate change, post-epidemic economic recovery, maritime security, and environmental protection in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Biden administration will unveil a new strategy for the Pacific and host a formal dinner for the Pacific leaders at the White House on Thursday night following the meeting.