WELLINGTON, N. C. (AP) — The United States will send a high-level diplomatic delegation to the Solomon Islands next week, led by Assistant Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and adding Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy.
The U. S. Department of State The U. S. Navy said Tuesday that it is expected to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal and that diplomats will meet with Solomon Islands officials to “highlight the enduring relationship” between the two nations.
The scale in Will will be of special non-public interest to Sherman and Kennedy, whose parents fought there in World War II.
And it comes after the United States and several Pacific countries expressed deep concern about a security pact the Solomon Islands signed with China in April, many of which they fear will only lead to an increase in the military in the region.
The reopening of the U. S. Embassy will also be highlighted. The U. S. government in the capital, Honiara, which is part of an explicit U. S. strategy. The U. S. to counter China’s growing influence.
In the past, the United States had an embassy in the Solomon Islands for five years before ending it in 1993.
Kennedy has just begun his role in Australia after officially unveiling his credentials on Monday. When he arrived in Australia last week, he told reporters that the Pacific region is critical and that “I think the United States wants to do more. “
“We’re reinstalling our embassies and the Peace Corps is coming, and USAID is coming back and we’re coming back,” he said.
Kennedy said the Pacific was of great private importance because his father, former President John F. Kennedy, had served there in World War II and “had been rescued by two Solomon Islanders and an Australian coastal observer. “
Sherman’s father, Mal Sherman, a Marine wounded at the Battle of Guadalcanal.
In addition to Sherman and Kennedy, the delegation will come with Kin Moy, the State Department’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Stephen Sklenka, Deputy Commander of U. S. Indo-Pacific Command. USA
During the Aug. 6-8 trip, Sherman is scheduled to deliver speeches at Skyline Ridge, the United States Memorial of Guadalcanal, and Bloody Ridge.