Global Courant
The United States will recognize the independence of the Cook Islands and Niue, two small countries in the Pacific Ocean, President Joe Biden said on Monday, confirming an earlier announcement by officials.
Biden spoke ahead of a summit with Pacific island leaders this week, part of a U.S. charm offensive to block further Chinese invasion of a strategic region that Washington has long considered its own backyard.
In a statement, Biden said the United States has a long history of cooperation with the Cook Islands, dating back to World War II, when the U.S. military built runways on one of the chain’s atolls.
“Today’s announcement will allow us to expand the scope of this lasting partnership as we seek to address the challenges that matter most to the lives of our people,” he said.
The White House said the summit will focus on priorities including climate change, economic growth, sustainable development, public health and combating illegal fishing. REUTERS
