Two US Pacific territories are moving closer to potentially upgrading their status within the main political decision-making body in the region, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
The PIF has confirmed to RNZ Pacific that its representatives have visited Guam and American Samoa in response to the US territories’ bid for Forum membership.
Acting governor Lt Joshua Tenorio of Guam has appealed for both territories to be granted a seat at the table.
PIF’s deputy secretary general, Esala Nayasi, stated that the applications from the territories will be discussed at the 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for next month.
In June, the US government agreed to allow its Pacific territories to become non-voting associate members of the PIF, overturning a previous policy that had prohibited their participation in international organizations in any capacity.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that due to their political status, the territories cannot become full voting members but supports their application to become non-voting associate members.
Nayasi mentioned, “We have received applications from both Guam and American Samoa. The Secretariat has conducted assessments in consultation with members, and these assessments will be presented through the Forum processes at the earliest opportunity for leaders to provide input, likely in Tonga.”
Established in 1971, the PIF is the primary political and economic policy organization in the region, playing a significant role in regional affairs amid competition among global superpowers.
The Forum consists of 18 members, including Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Currently, New Caledonia and French Polynesia, both French territories, are the only non-self-governing members of the Forum.
Lt. Tenorio emphasized the importance of including the Mariana Islands, Guam, the Northern Marianas, and American Samoa for the Pacific Islands Forum to be a truly comprehensive regional political organization encompassing the entire Pacific region.
