MAJURO, Marshall Islands: Pacific leaders have hailed the signing of a new economic and security deal with the United States, after a five-month delay that had raised questions about Washington's influence in the region.
MAJURO, Marshall Islands: Pacific leaders have hailed the signing of a new economic and security deal with the United States, after a five-month delay that had raised questions about Washington's influence in the region.US President Joe Biden signed the Compact of Free Association agreements with the leaders of Pacific nations Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia in Washington over the weekend.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine said the agreement 'represents a very big step in our mutual and enduring efforts to strengthen and improve the Compact.'The deal includes $700 million for the Marshalls over the next four years as part of a trust fund agreement, she added.Special funds to counter climate change and additional money for health care are included.