Courtesy Photo | U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam members stand with the delegations...... read more read more
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HONOLULU — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam members returned from a successful two-day Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in Honolulu, held on April 17-18, 2024.
This meeting underscores the ongoing partnership and mutual commitment to national security, international collaboration, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific region.
The Honorable H.E. Charles Rudolph Paul, RMI Ambassador to the United States, and the Honorable Kalani Kaneko, Foreign Affairs and Trade minister, co-chaired the RMI delegation. Additional key representatives included the Minister of Finance, Banking, and Postal Services and the newly appointed National Security Coordinator.
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam was represented by Capt. Robert Kistner, who will serve as the interim sector commander beginning in May, alongside Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam's Compact of Free Association (COFA) team of advisors. The meeting provided an opportunity to present the team's year-long scope of work, review achievements from the past six months, and discuss upcoming engagements. The introduction of Capt. Kistner to RMI and Department of Defense partners marked a significant moment, reinforcing leadership continuity and commitment.
"Over the past year, the U.S. Coast Guard has been deeply engaged with our Republic of the Marshall Islands partners, reinforcing our commitment to regional safety, security, and resilience," said Capt. Kistner. "Significant initiatives like Operation Blue Pacific have highlighted our dedication to maritime security by enhancing joint patrols and strengthening our operational ties. In environmental stewardship, launching the Oil Spill Task Force in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme aims to boost RMI's response capabilities to environmental emergencies. These endeavors are pivotal in fortifying our bilateral relationships and exemplify our ongoing commitment to a secure and prosperous Pacific."
Key topics addressed by RMI leaders included concerns over potential malign influence in regional affairs, the need for enhanced healthcare funding, and strategies for improving energy and cybersecurity to counter external threats and ensure sustainable development.
The delegation expressed interest in future joint efforts, including environmental initiatives like cleaning up PCBs from former U.S. Coast Guard LORAN stations and continuing maritime law enforcement training to bolster RMI's capabilities in maritime security and environmental protection.
The meeting concluded with RMI officials expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from the United States, highlighting the critical role of collaborative efforts like those of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in ensuring the region's security and prosperity.
Additional engagements supplemental to the JCM included meeting with USAID's Regional Humanitarian Advisor to the Pacific to enhance future collaboration on humanitarian assistance and the Pacific Partnership Initiates throughout the COFA States.
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About USCG Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam:
USCG Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam is committed to promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in the Pacific. Through cooperation with regional partners, the USCGFMSG plays a crucial role in fostering stable and secure maritime domains in the Pacific.
Capt. Kistner will take command from Capt. Nicholas Simmons, current commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in a ceremony in May. Capt. Simmons will head to U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters to oversee the Office of Budget and Programs.
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.02.2024 21:59 |
| Story ID: | 469459 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 201 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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