Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi Applauds Biden Administration’s Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with Cook Islands and Niue, Enhancement of U.S.-Pacific Islands Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and CCP, released the following statement regarding President Biden’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue and the enhancement of the U.S.-Pacific Islands partnership, including new infrastructure funding, a new military partnership, and a $10 million investment to expand the 2022 Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative to the Pacific Island region.

“I applaud President Biden’s decision to recognize the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign, independent states, as well as his announcement of new infrastructure funding and military partnerships for Pacific Island partner nations,” said Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. “By deepening ties with South Pacific nations, we can work together to combat the threat of climate change, sustain inclusive economic growth, and advance a safe and secure Indo-Pacific region, free of any undue influence from other foreign powers. When we work together with our allies and partners to build stronger relations between our countries, we help build a better world and a brighter future for us all.”

For more information on the commitments made during the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit, click here.

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