Statement by President Biden on the Recognition of Niue and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

Today, I am proud to announce that the United States recognizes Niue as a sovereign and independent state and will establish diplomatic relations between our two nations.

Niue plays a critical and constructive role in the Pacific, including supporting the region’s sustainable development, security, and marine protection and ocean conservation. Today’s announcement will enable us to deepen our cooperation with Niue on these challenges and more—from tackling the climate crisis, to protecting maritime borders and marine resources, to building sustainable economic growth, to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The United States plans to work closely with Niue, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community to bolster Pacific regionalism. Together, we intend to align the objectives of the United States’ first-ever Pacific Partnership Strategy with the Pacific’s own priorities as embodied in the Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. And, the United States looks forward to participating in the upcoming PIF Leaders’ Summit to support Pacific voices, Pacific choices, and the Pacific way. 

Since day one of my Administration, I have been committed to being an active and engaged partner in the Pacific. Last year, I launched our first-ever national strategy dedicated to the Pacific Islands. I appointed the first US Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum. We held the first US-Pacific Islands Summit. And today we are meeting with the full Pacific Islands Forum at the White House for the first time. Today’s recognition of Niue—and the establishment of diplomatic relations—will not only further strengthen our bonds in the region, it will help forge the shared future we seek—one of greater security, prosperity, and dignity for all.

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