VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, US: Pacific leaders have hailed the signing of a new economic and security deal with the United States, after a five-month delay that had raised questions about Washington's influence in the region.

As reported by AFP on Monday (11/3), U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Compact of Free Association agreements with the leaders of Pacific nations Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia in Washington over the weekend.

The 20-year deal provides the three Pacific nations with a total of $7.1 billion in funding and was approved by the US Senate as part of a spending package worth $460 billion.

Marshall Islands President, Hilda Heine said the agreement "represents a very big step in mutual and enduring efforts to strengthen and improve the Compact."

Meanwhile, Micronesia President, Wesley Simina described the signing as "an important milestone" which "opens a new chapter in our enduring partnership with the United States".