American Samoa's representative in the US Congress, who's been fighting for more US recognition of Pacific Island nations, says he'll wait and see whether Washington's rhetoric is matched with substance.
Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin has been critical in the past of what he calls the U.S's indifference to the Pacific.
However he says he's very happy at the level of commitment and concern shown by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her recent tour of the region, but like many Pacific leaders he's taking a wait and see attitude.
"I sincerely hope that her public statements are going to be matched by the kinds of programmes and the change of policy that's going to come from Washington in taking the lead, and in fact, being an active participant in the needs of the region."
Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.
