Last updated: August 20, 2008 | News from Washington | Previous highlights

Secretary Rice discussed Pacific Islands concerns and issues- such as climate change and food security – while in Samoa at the recent gathering of Pacific Islands foreign ministers. U.S. Supports Pacific Food Security In Face Of Climate Change The U.S. State Department has made a grant of approximately Fijian $150,000 ($98,250 USD) to boost food security in the Pacific region in the face of climate change. “The purpose of this contribution is to ensure that food security in Pacific Island states is not put at risk. Collectively we need to ensure there is a diversity of crops adapted to climate extremes,” said U.S Ambassador Bill McCormick. The grant has been given to the Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) by the U.S. Embassy in Suva and is designed to support work by the SPC. “The Secretariat is collecting, conserving, and making available to member countries, crops and crop varieties with traits such as drought and salt tolerance. These plants assist Pacific communities to better manage the anticipated effects of climate change,” Ambassador McCormick explained. “The U.S. is committed to being a constructive participant in this part of the world. This grant is part of our efforts to respond to the concerns and needs of the region as articulated by Pacific Islanders themselves,” he added.

Related links Clean Energy Partnership Launched for Island Nations 2008 Another U.S. Year Of The Pacific ENVIRONMENT: Protecting our natural resources - at America.gov

Secretary Rice with the Prime Minister of Samoa , Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice In Samoa On July 26, 2008, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Samoa. It was only the second visit of a current Secretary of State to the Independent State of Samoa, and was part of her recent trip through Asia and Oceania. While in Samoa, Secretary Rice met with Pacific Islands’ states foreign ministers in a regional roundtable meeting on issues and concerns of the Pacific region. Included in the meeting were her counterparts from 14 Pacific island nations, including New Zealand’s Winston Peters. Secretary Rice and Pacific Island Foreign Ministers concluded their meeting with a working luncheon, hosted by the Government of Samoa. The U.S. delegation included the Governors of American Samoa and Guam. Ambassador William McCormick, the U.S. Ambassador to both New Zealand and Samoa accompanied Secretary Rice on her travel from New Zealand to Samoa. While here, Secretary Rice also met for bilateral talks with Samoan Prime Minister, the Honorable Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi and other government officials.  Each side presented official gifts. Secretary Rice concluded her brief, but historic  visit to Samoa with official photographs with the United States Peace Corps Volunteer community before departing for a return to the United States.

Sailors man the rails of the USS Peleliu sailing from San Diego for Pacific Partnership, a humanitarian mission including medical, construction and engineering projects. Navy Photo MCS 2nd Class J. Hudson. Year of the Pacific just the beginning The Pacific is a vast and important region. However, it is much more than that to us. The United States is a Pacific country, by geography and by history. So we believe it is critical to work with our Pacific neighbours to promote domestic stability, good governance and economic development. To that end, we provide about $290 million a year in assistance to Pacific Island countries. The US Government's Millennium Challenge Corporation is also working with Vanuatu on a separate assistance package of more than $65 million … (more)