They discuss the recent renewal of U.S. defense agreements in the Indo-Pacific.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted Micronesian President Wesley Simina at the Pentagon on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed the recent renewal of the Compacts of Free Association. These compacts are defense and trade agreements between the U.S. and three Pacific Island nations: Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. With the compacts’ renewal, U.S. support for the three nations has been extended into 2040.
“Renewing the compacts was a landmark achievement, and it will help advance our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Secretary Austin said. “The compacts ensure that the United States can maintain a military presence in the Freely Associated States. That presence helps secure a vital and vast part of the Indo-Pacific, an area that’s larger than the continental United States.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin to seek God’s guidance as he heads the Defense Department.
- For wisdom for U.S. defense officials and leaders as they engage in talks with foreign ministers and heads of state.
Sources: Department of Defense
