SAIPAN, 30 APRIL 2018 (MARIANAS VARIETY)— U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech wrapped up his visit to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands where he gave remarks and met with Micronesia’s island leaders at the 23rd Micronesian Islands Forum.
Hosted this year by CNMI Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres, the annual summit brought together the governors of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands; the presidents of Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia; as well as the governors of two FSM states: Chuuk and Pohnpei, and lt. governor of Yap.
“The U.S. government and the Department of the Interior under the leadership of Secretary Ryan Zinke will continue to be bridge-building partners,” said Assistant Secretary Domenech. “We must strengthen our relationships as we confront serious challenges together, both in the U.S. territories as well as in the freely associated states.”
The assistant secretary participated in a second day of presentations at the MIF to learn more about regional issues of concern for the islands of Micronesia such as workforce development, energy, invasive species, transportation, health, telecommunications, tourism, and preserving the environment….PACNEWS