16 May 2019

Freely Associated States' presidents to meet with Trump

4:22 pm on 16 May 2019

Leaders from the Pacific's Freely Associated States are to make a joint official visit to the White House for the first time.

US President Donald Trump speaks after touring the Lima Army Tank Plant at Joint Systems Manufacturing in Lima, Ohio, March 20, 2019. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

Photo: AFP / Saul Loeb

Presidents from the three Pacific countries and the US are to discuss security ties and maintaining a free and open Pacific.

US president Donald Trump will greet his counterparts from Federated States of Micronesia - David Panuelo, Marshall Islands - Hilda Heine, and Palau - Tommy E. Remengesau Jr, on 21 May.

The three Pacific countries maintain strong ties with the US through the Compact of Free Association which allows citizens from FSM, Marshall Islands and Palau to live and work in the US.

Under the Compact, the US is responsible for the defence of the three Micronesian countries.