Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Republic of the Marshall Islands

27/05/2026

Press Release
28 May 2026

Republic of the Marshall Islands Participates in the 8th Korea-Pacific Islands Senior Officials’ Meeting in Nadi

The RMI delegation, led by H.E. Ambassador Junior Aini, participated in the 8th Korea-Pacific Islands Senior Officials’ Meeting which convened last week in Nadi, bringing together representatives from the Pacific Island Forum member countries and the Government of the Republic of Korea to advance regional cooperation and discuss the implementation of shared priorities under the PIF–ROK cooperation fund.

Ambassador Aini delivered the official statement on behalf of the GRMI, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening cooperation with Korea across key priority areas including climate resilience, sustainable development, ocean and fisheries management, maritime security, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

During the meeting, participating officials reviewed progress under ongoing PIF–ROK cooperation initiatives and exchanged views on emerging regional and global challenges affecting the Pacific. The RMI also welcomed Korea's continued engagement and support for Pacific-led priorities, consistent with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

H.E. Aini highlighted the importance of enhanced partnerships that directly respond to the unique vulnerabilities and development needs of Small Island Developing States, including strengthening resilience against climate impacts, ensuring sustainable and resilient fuel supply chains, and supporting long-term economic security for Pacific communities.

Ambassador Aini further underscored the value of deeper strategic dialogue between Pacific Island countries and partners amid increasing geopolitical and global economic uncertainties, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its broader implications for international stability, energy security, and supply chains.

Following the official meeting, the RMI delegation also held a bilateral meeting with ROK Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Ms Eui-hae Chung to further discuss and strengthen the growing partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Korea. Discussions focused on opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including development assistance through scholarships, annual Grant-in-Aid assistance, climate and energy resilience, maritime cooperation, capacity building, and regional security cooperation.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands expresses its appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the Government of Fiji for the successful convening of the meeting and for their continued commitment to meaningful and enduring Pacific partnerships.

ENDS//

25/05/2026

JOB OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT!

Iakwe aolep, the Ministry is looking for applicants for the two positions below:

1. Compact Implementation Officer (Sector Grants), and;
2. Extraordinary Needs Distribution Officer (END) Implementation Officer.

If interested, please feel free to send a copy of your CV and two (2) reference letters to our HR Director, Ms. Diane Huang at [email protected] with a copy to Assistant Secretary Henriette deBrum at [email protected]

Kommool tata im jeraman!

19/05/2026

Press Release
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Bilateral meeting between Hon. Minister Kalani Kaneko and H.E. Ambassador Veronique Roger-Lacan, France’s Ambassador for the Pacific.

On 20 April 2026, Minister Kalani Kaneko held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Veronique Roger-Lacan, France’s Ambassador for the Pacific and Permanent Representative to the Pacific Community (SPC) and to the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP).

The meeting discussion reflected on the bilateral relation between the RMI and France, noting that relations were established in 1993. The Minister expressed gratitude for the visit and the assistance provided by France across various sectors.

Furthermore, the discussion looked at initiatives that provide pathways for development in the RMI, as well as opportunities for regional integration to increase educational mobility, infrastructure capabilities, and digitization projects within the country and beyond the Pacific region.

The meeting concluded with a gift presented by the Minister to the Ambassador, and assurance of strengthened diplomatic ties, exploration of new areas of cooperation, and continued strong and respectful partnership between the two countries.

16/05/2026

08/05/2026

On May 4th, Honorable Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, welcomed and received the Non-resident Ambassador of Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dr. Donal Hanley, followed by a Presentation of Credentials Ceremony held with President Dr. Hilda C. Heine.

Dr. Donal Patrick Hanley is the newly appointed Non-resident Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and is a Knight of the Order and the Delegate of its Grand Chancellor to the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization. He expressed the Order’s work in assisting countries with Health Care assistance, disaster relief such as typhoon relief work, and other humanitarian work. In his capacity as a Legal & Aviation Expert, he also expressed his interest in assisting with the country’s aviation challenge. During his visit, Dr. Hanley also met with members of the Cabinet, the Speaker of RMI Parliament, the Chairman of the House of Irooj, the Aviation Task Force Members and the Minister of Hospital & Human Services.

Minister Kaneko conveyed his appreciation of Dr. Hanley’s visit and expressed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to working closely with the Order of Malta to deliver a meaningful impact to the health and prosperity of the Marshall Islands.

05/05/2026

On May 05, 2026, Hon Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands held a courtesy visit with His Excellency, Mr. Kanbar Hossein-Bor, United Kingdom Ambassador, designated to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Hon Minister Kalani extended words of congratulations to Ambassador Kanbar after his Presentation of Credence ceremony with HE President Heine and members of the Cabinet. He welcomed him for visiting the Marshall Islands and conveyed heartfelt appreciation for his Majesty Charles III’s letter on the occasion of the Marshall Islands Constitution Day, which was celebrated last week in Majuro .

The bilateral engagement underscores the strong growing partnerships between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United Kingdom, and reaffirms the shared commitments to climate action, trade, connectivity, sustainable development, good governance and people to people links and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Hon Minister Kalani thanked the people and government of the United Kingdom for their financial support through the Green Climate Fund towards the grants for the Pacific Resilience Project Phase II for Majuro and Ebeye to protect people and assets against sea level rise and storms worsened by climate change. This includes also the UK’s Asian Development Bank investment in water supply and sanitation, public financial management, urban and energy security projects,

Both parties also exchanged views on enhancing diplomatic cooperation, exploring opportunities for technical assistance, and deepening collaboration in advancing the shared priorities of both countries at the regional and international levels.

The meeting was joined by Ms. Isabela Silk, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Terry Keju, Senior Foreign Service Officer and Mr. Andrew Heseltine, Second Secretary Regional Affairs, British High Commission in Suva.

05/05/2026

April 30, 2026, Majuro Marshall Islands - H.E. Stuart Horne, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, after his Presentation of Credence ceremony with H.E. President Heine and members of the Cabinet. During their bilateral session, the Honorable Kaneko congratulated Ambassador Horne as the new non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Honorable Kaneko further thanked the people and government of New Zealand for their financial support towards RMI’s key efforts on Climate Change adaptation and resilience pathway, including the relief fund following Nitijela’s tragic fire incident.

Other significant points of discussions were relating to the Maanaki New Zealand Scholarship and capacity development programs, Funds that are available for local projects, Nuclear Legacy, Migration policies, Fuel Crisis, Renewable Energy and Solar projects, Maritime Surveillance arrangements, Economic & Trade opportunities such as the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER plus), and Visa Waiver schemes for RMI Citizens travelling into New Zealand or transiting via New Zealand International terminals.

The meeting was joined by Ms. Isabela Silk, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Winder Loeak, Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs, Ms. Yumiko Mark, Foreign Service Officer, and Mr. Richard Kim, First Secretary for New Zealand Consulate in Honolulu.

30/04/2026

The Joint Economic Management and Financial Accountability Committee (JEMFAC) convened its mid-year meeting April 24 in Guam focusing on successful implementation of the Compact of Free Association for the benefit of all Marshallese. The RMI delegation was led by Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko and COFA Special Envoy Wilbur Heine, and the U.S. delegation led by JEMFAC Chair and DOI DAS Angel Demapan, State Department Director Tony Greubel, and CDA Greg D’Alesandro.

28/04/2026