WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ambassadors from the three Freely Associated States (FAS) met with key U.S. officials to express concerns over recent executive orders affecting FAS citizens living in the United States, according to a press release cited by Eco Paradise EPFM on Jan. 31.
The ambassadors from the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands highlighted issues related to immigration policies and the suspension of certain foreign assistance programs. They emphasized that the Compact of Free Association (COFA) grants FAS citizens a unique legal status, which should be considered when implementing U.S. policy changes.
While the press release did not specify who represented Palau—as former Ambassador to the U.S. Hersey Kyota is still undergoing confirmation hearings in the Palau Senate—it noted that U.S. officials acknowledged the concerns and pledged to maintain open communication channels to address the issues raised by FAS citizens.
During a recent Senate oversight hearing in Palau, Kyota expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic engagement with the U.S. under the Trump administration. He noted that President Donald Trump had previously met with the presidents of the three FAS nations during his last term, marking the first time a U.S. president extended such an invitation.
The press release did not disclose the source of the information, and with Kyota’s confirmation still pending, it remains unclear who represented Palau in the discussions with U.S. officials. (By: L.N. Reklai)