We are pleased to announce the selection of Ambassador Karen B. Stewart and Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Douglas W. Domenech to serve as our negotiators for agreements to amend the Compacts of Free Association with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, and to engage in Compact Review discussions with the Republic of Palau.

We recognize our unique, historic, and special relationships with the Freely Associated States. The selection of Ambassador Stewart and Assistant Secretary Domenech to lead our negotiating team is the latest in a series of actions that the Trump Administration has taken following the historic meeting of the leaders of the Freely Associated States with President Trump. During his August visit to the Federated States of Micronesia, Secretary Pompeo reaffirmed our longstanding commitment to these partners, to our Compacts of Free Association, and the important role that these Compacts play in sustaining our mutual strategic partnerships.

Ambassador Stewart and Assistant Secretary Domenech are particularly well qualified to spearhead these important negotiations.