Guam and American Samoa prepare to become Forum associate members

By Pita Ligaiula

SUVA, August 12, 2024 (PACNEWS) – The Pacific Islands Forum will welcome Guam and American Samoa as associate members following a strong recommendation by the Forum’s Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Friday.

Current Forum Chair, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, confirmed that the application submitted by the two territories’ lieutenant governors had received broad support and would now be forwarded to Forum leaders for final approval.

“There is no doubt that Guam and American Samoa have met the criteria for associate membership.

“We have listened to their demands and there is clear consensus among ministers. The proposal will go to leaders for decision at the end of this month,” said forum chairman Brown.

Brown stressed the importance of the decision in the larger context of the Forum’s evolving regional architecture.

“While we fully support their admission, we are also reviewing the criteria for associate and observer status as part of a wider review of our regional architecture. This may result in some changes to how we define and treat these memberships going forward.”

The applications from Guam and American Samoa are not expected to require any further supporting statements, with Brown confirming that both territories have fully demonstrated their eligibility.

“I don’t think any further information is needed. The requirements have been met and the advice from ministers is clear,” he said.

Guam and American Samoa join as associate members, marking a significant expansion of the Forum in line with the organization’s mission to strengthen regional connections and cooperation

“They will have the same rights as our other two current associate members, Wallis and Futuna and Tokelau.

“I think one of the founding missions of the Pacific Islands Forum is to see Pacific nations and Pacific territories as part of one family. So in that regard, both American Samoa and Guam meet the eligibility criteria for Pacific territories and they want to be part of the Forum family,” said Prime Minister Brown. … PACNEWS

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