The United States Secretary of States, Hillary Clinton, says the Pacific is strategically and economically vital, and becoming more so.
Secretary Clinton has met with Pacific leaders this morning, and is now attending the post Pacific Islands Forum dialogue.
Later this morning she will meet with the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key.
Mrs Clinton says the US has a long history in the Pacific and has underwritten the security that has made it possible for the people of the region to trade and travel securely.
"The Pacific half of Asia Pacific doesn't always get as much attention as it should but the United States knows that this region is strategically and economically vital, and becoming more so."
Hillary Clinton says she will today launch a number of initiatives in the Pacific, on conservation and gender equality.
