Negotiation team for Compacts of Free Association renewal meetings announced

The federal government's negotiators for the upcoming Compacts of Free Association renewal talks were announced today.

They are for Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Karen Stewart, and Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Douglas Domenech.

China's growing interest in the western pacific has raised the stakes for the compacts. Last year the Presidents of the compact nations were hosted by President Trump at an historic meeting at the White House. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the first-ever trip to the FSM by the nation's highest diplomat when he traveled to Pohnpei in August.

The compacts are set to expire in 2023.