Dear Editor – According to a Radio New Zealand International news bulletin on 1 September 2015, the United States Federal Government will be sending a high-level delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum’s Post Forum Dialogue in Papua New Guinea next week.
The US State Department has said the visit aims to emphasize the depth and breadth of US engagement with the Pacific and demonstrate its commitment to the region in relation to issues which include climate change, renewable energy, women’s empowerment, sustainable development and health.
Similar expressions were raised a week ago by the Prime Minister of India when he addressed the representatives of 14 Pacific nations at a conference he hosted in Rajasthan.
The issues identified by the US State Department are all of particular relevance and importance to the Solomon Island’s Government and it is to be hoped that the United States Government will consider further aiding the Solomons in meeting the challenges that each of the issues mentioned present to a friendly but tiny developing nation.
Frank Short
Bangkok, Thailand
