Amata Applauds Appointment of US Diplomat for COFA

Statement

Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amatahailed the U.S. appointment of a credentialed diplomat to lead an interagency U.S. team in completing serious negotiations with the Freely Associated States regarding extending Compacts of Free Association (COFA).

President Biden has appointed Special Presidential Envoy Joseph Yun to conduct these crucial discussions with these vital Pacific partnerships: the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

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Greeting President Whipps recently at October meeting
Congresswoman Amata greeting President Surangel Whipps of the Republic of Palau in October at a meeting of the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus.

"I welcome this development," said Congresswoman Amata. "Throughout recent months, I've publicly expressed urgency in the need for this appointment to get done, so I'm delighted to see this critical step forward in the process. These friends and allies deserve proper negotiations with a ranking diplomat. I believe this appointment carries the necessary importance to ensure their message can be communicated straight to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Interior. I look forward to a renewed long term U.S. commitment in cooperation with these key friendships in our region."

Mr. Yun is an experienced diplomat, known as an expert on Washington's strategic thinking for the Asia-Pacific. He brings 33 years of diplomatic experience, including as the former U.S. special representative for North Korea policy from October 2016-May 2018; the United States Ambassador to Malaysia from 2013-2016; and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 2011-2013.

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