IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan R. Hoffman provided the following readout:

Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan welcomed the President of the Republic of Palau Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Hilda C. Heine, and President of the Federated States of Micronesia David W. Panuelo to the Pentagon on May 21, 2019. 

This was the first time all three leaders were hosted together at the Pentagon, demonstrating the special partnership between the United States and the Freely Associated States (FAS).

The leaders discussed a mutual interest in maintaining a free and open Pacific, the changing security dynamics of the region, and the U.S. commitment to the defense of the Freely Associated States under the Compacts of Free Association.

Secretary Shanahan acknowledged the contributions of FAS citizens to the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.