The United States and Palau signed the Amended Agreement following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review (the “Compact Review Agreement”), on September 19 in Koror, Palau. The United States and Palau also exchanged diplomatic notes bringing into force the Compact Review Agreement, which was signed in 2010. The signing marks the completion of the first review and amendment process as provided for under the Compact of Free Association (the “Compact”), U.S. Public Law 99-658.

Since the implementation of the Compact in 1994, the United States has provided over $700 million in direct assistance and investment to Palau. The U.S. investment in Palau under the Compact, and numerous other federal programs, has provided funds for essential government operations, law enforcement, infrastructure development, weather pattern monitoring, immunizations and health screenings, scholarships for higher education, and postal services.

The United States sees Palau and the Pacific Islands as an essential part of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and is committed to the Pacific Islands’ security and prosperity. The United States is actively engaged in advancing a regional order based on respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and the principles of free, fair, and reciprocal trade.

For more information, please visit https://pw.usembassy.gov/

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The United States congratulates President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un on the successful outcome of their summit meeting in Pyongyang.

We welcome President Moon and Chairman Kim’s reaffirmation of the Singapore joint statement of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, including the permanent dismantlement of all facilities at Yongbyon in the presence of U.S. and IAEA inspectors.

We also welcome Chairman Kim’s decision to complete the previously announced dismantlement of the Tongchang-ri site in the presence of U.S. and international inspectors as a step toward the final fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, as agreed by Chairman Kim at the Singapore summit with President Trump.

On the basis of these important commitments, the United States is prepared to engage immediately in negotiations to transform U.S.-DPRK relations.

This morning, I invited my counterpart Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho to meet in New York City next week where we are both already scheduled to be in attendance at the United Nations General Assembly meeting. Likewise, we have invited North Korean representatives to meet our Special Representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, in Vienna, Austria at the earliest opportunity. This will mark the beginning of negotiations to transform U.S.-DPRK relations through the process of rapid denuclearization of North Korea, to be completed by January 2021, as committed by Chairman Kim, and to construct a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

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On behalf of the Government of the United States, congratulations to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis on your 35th anniversary of independence on September 19.

The United States shares a proud heritage with your country. The first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis and was a key contributor to establishing our financial system. St. Kitts and Nevis continues to be a valued partner in our mutual efforts to cultivate a more prosperous Caribbean and Western Hemisphere. We thank the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for your role in regional efforts to strengthen prosperity, citizen security, and democracy, and we will continue to work with you to implement Caribbean 2020.

The United States values this longstanding friendship and wishes the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis a happy Independence Day celebration.

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The United States expresses sorrow for the death of the aircrew members of the Russian plane that was downed by Syrian regime anti-aircraft fire. Yesterday’s unfortunate incident reminds us of the need to find permanent, peaceful, and political resolutions to the many overlapping conflicts in the region and the danger of tragic miscalculation in Syria’s crowded theater of operations. It underlines the urgent need to resolve the Syrian conflict in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2254 and to end Iran’s provocative transit of dangerous weapon systems through Syria, which are a threat to the region.

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On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend my warm congratulations to the people of Chile on the 208th anniversary of your independence.

The United States and Chile share a long-standing friendship, rooted in our common values and the deep ties between our peoples. Thirty years ago, Chile’s historic plebiscite paved the way for a peaceful and successful democratic transition. Today, Chile is a leader in the region, exemplifying the benefits of strong democratic institutions and open markets. We value the work we have accomplished together to support regional peace and security. Our vibrant economic ties and our joint initiatives in science, education, technology, and innovation benefit both our countries.

I wish you a happy Independence Day celebration and a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.