U.S. senior diplomat kicks off Pacific tour in Samoa, Tonga

By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with leaders in Samoa and Tonga on Friday, discussing local weather change, ocean safety and alternatives to work collectively as Washington seeks to re-engage with the area amid issues about rising Chinese language affect.

The senior U.S. diplomat’s go to is a part of a multi-leg journey to Pacific nations.

Sherman was within the area to pay attention and study, she informed a information convention, and her assembly with Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa had been productive.

“Our two nations share a dedication to vital democratic values, together with respect for human rights, a dedication to defending freedom of expression, and freedom of faith or perception and a robust perception within the significance of a free and open press,” mentioned Sherman. “I sit up for our continued friendship.”

A number of U.S. senior diplomats have visited the South Pacific this 12 months as geostrategic competitors within the area grows. Chinese language International Minister Wang Yi visited Samoa and Tonga in Might, adopted by Australian International Minister Penny Wong in early June.

Sherman confirmed Pacific leaders had been invited to go to President Joe Biden on the White Home in September, though a date has not been confirmed.

Mata’afa expressed appreciation for the U.S. shift in its stance on local weather change and its involvement in ocean governance. She mentioned Samoa was excited to discover alternatives to work with america.

In Tonga, Sherman met with Prime Minister and Minister of Protection Siaosi Sovaleni, in addition to Tonga’s King Tupou VI, marking 50 years of bilateral relations and to debate establishing a U.S. embassy.

They mentioned increasing cooperation in public well being, combating local weather change and regional safety points, the U.S. state division mentioned.

Sherman’s Pacific tour is scheduled to incorporate World Battle Two commemorations within the Solomon Islands and visits to each Australia and New Zealand.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer and Kirsty Needham; Modifying by Sam Holmes)