As her day of departure (hours away) approaches, some issues surrounding Hillary Clinton's first trip to the South Pacific as Secretary of State are beginning to emerge and topics are beginning to solidify.According to Radio New Zealand, Clinton visit signals US re-engaging with Pacific
An academic in New Zealand says the key message of the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s visit to the Pacific is for the US to re-engage with the region.
Victoria University’s senior fellow for strategic studies, Terence O’Brien, says Mrs Clinton’s visit is signalling a change in US foreign policy. “The reasons for coming at this particular time are related to America’s desire to be seen to be active in the Pacific, more active than recent administrations.”
Terence O’Brien says aid is also set to be high on the agenda.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International
For Eni Faleomavaega, American Samoa's nonvoting delegate to Congress, the re-engagement is not broad enough. Commenting in the Honolulu Advertiser, Faleomavaega said he is disappointed Secretary Clinton will not be meeting with the leaders of some 15 island nations.
"My point is underscored by the fact that Secretary Clinton will be meeting with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea while excluding some 15 Pacific Island leaders who could have gathered in one location to meet her," he said.You can read the entire article here. Clinton's Pacific itinerary criticized
Faleomavaega said most administrations have disregarded the needs and concerns of Pacific island nations.
Certainly this was not meant as a slight. In light of O'Brien's comment, this visit signals a major shift in foreign policy. As with most major policy shifts, this one will probably be done incrementally. There are sure to be further Pacific Island outreaches following this initial approach.
When she visits Auckland on Friday, Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, has the Doha trade agreements on the agenda according to the New Zealand Herald, Global trade talks on agenda when Key meets Clinton.
Prime Minister John Key will stress United States leadership is crucial to getting a successful conclusion to the Doha trade round when he meets US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Auckland on Friday.
"We see that as a fundamentally important building block in terms of restoring economic growth," says Key. "It's one thing I want to talk to her about, not withstanding that trade doesn't fall within her broader remit ... but she's Secretary of State."
But the Herald also affirms that Afghanistan tops Key's agenda for Clinton visit
John Key is keen to hear United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's views on what progress has been made towards getting a corruption-free Government established in Afghanistan.Our own Madame Secretary has an issue to address as well, according to the same article.
Mrs Clinton is expected to raise concerns that a New Zealand company has allegedly been involved in selling North Korean arms to Iran. Reports suggest the US Department of Justice is poised to indict the company under the US International Emergency Powers Act.
Mr Key says the Government takes the issue "very seriously".
Well, that he should, since it appears a very serious issue! So as the issues take shape and the news flows out about this trip, I will keep this page as updated as possible. (Given that my office is like Grand Central Station, and I have a ton of things to address. I might only be able to post at night.)
Have a safe and successful trip Madame Secretary!
Light a Gratefulness Candle for her safe return to our shores.
