SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Well, good afternoon, Mr. President, and welcome to the Pentagon. You're visiting Washington at a historic time for the relationship between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia. Our defense ties run deep and they uphold peace and stability across the Pacific Islands, and we share a special bond.
Under the Compacts of Free Association, the United States military serves as a defense force for the freely associated states, including Micronesia, and America's all-volunteer force draws strength from FAS citizens. We're grateful for the military service of your country's citizens, Mr. President, and we're proud to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with you.
We're especially glad that President Biden and the United States Congress have recently extended U.S. economic assistance to the FSM into the 2040s as a part of the compacts. Renewing the Compacts was a landmark achievement, and it will help advance our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Compacts ensure that the United States can maintain a military presence in the freely associated states. That presence helps secure a vital and vast part of the Indo-Pacific, an area that's larger than the continental United States.
Today, we'll discuss new opportunities for defense posture cooperation between our two countries, including on Yap Island, and we'll talk about enhanced exercise opportunities as our partnership grows even stronger.
Mr. President, thanks again for making the trip, and I look forward to a great conversation. And over to you, sir.
PRESIDENT WESLEY SIMINA: Thank you very much, Secretary Austin. Ladies and gentlemen, just a few days ago, our nations exchanged diplomatic notes to commemorate the enduring partnership between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States. Our Compact of Free Association strengthens our security and defense plans at a critical juncture in the history of our nations, in the Indo-Pacific region, and the world at large.
In reaching this historic moment, I am reminded of the words in our own Constitution, and I quote, "having known war, we hope for peace. Having been divided, we wish for unity. Having been ruled, we seek freedom," end quote.
In this (inaudible), my country has known no greater friend than the United States. Our friendship is one based on shared democratic principles and values - peace, unity, and freedom. In these highest of pursuits, our people have stood shoulder-to-shoulder. Micronesians have stood side-by-side with Americans, proudly serving in the U.S. military, even enlisting at the highest rates. Some have been - have made the ultimate sacrifice as well.
Our partnership is a common understanding that shared principles and values, such as peace, unity, and freedom, are fostered in regional stability not just between our two nations but beyond. And that lasts not just for the next 20 years but beyond, because while the economic provisions of our agreements may need to be revisited in a couple of decades, our cooperation on matters of security and defense has and will always stand firm.
The numbers may change but our shared values and commitment to them will continue to remain the same. This is the foundation upon which our partnership stands, as a beacon of stability and trust, enduring in perpetuity.
Thank you again, Mr. Secretary. May God continue to bless our nations and our peoples. Thank you very much.
SEC. AUSTIN: Again, Mr. President, welcome to the Pentagon. We're delighted to have you here, and I look forward to a great discussion. Thanks, everybody.