The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Vanuatu, highlighting continued cooperation in health, education, disaster preparedness, maritime security and economic development.
From a press release it states that the commitment was reiterated during a reception hosted by the United States Embassy in Port Vila last Friday to mark the 250th anniversary of United States independence.
Speaking at the event, Chargé d’Affaires Eric Sheffield said the United States and Vanuatu share common values, including respect for sovereignty, self-determination and strong family and community ties.
He said the relationship between the two countries has continued to grow since the opening of the US Embassy in Port Vila in July 2024.
Since then, cooperation has included support for the return of ancestral relics to Vanuatu, VT185 million to modernise weather forecasting and early warning systems, and continued maritime security cooperation through joint ship rider operations protecting Vanuatu’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The United States also highlighted its support in the health sector through the Pacific Partnership programme, where more than 50 American medical personnel provided free healthcare services to over 4,000 Ni-Vanuatu patients, while US Navy Seabees renovated a health clinic on north Efate.
In education, the Embassy has supplied science equipment, computers and tablets to schools and funded exchange programmes for more than 20 Ni-Vanuatu students, teachers, journalists and professionals over the past two years.
The Embassy also highlighted the recently signed Investment Incentive Agreement, which creates opportunities for greater United States private sector investment in Vanuatu, particularly in energy, infrastructure, ICT, healthcare and access to finance.
Looking ahead, the United States said it will continue supporting projects including a proposed geothermal development on Tanna and the modernisation of Vanuatu’s weather forecasting systems.
Officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting economic opportunity, resilience and a stable, secure and prosperous Pacific region.
