The United States is sending a high-profile diplomatic delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Ambassador to Australia Carolyn Kennedy, to visit the Solomon Islands next week.
The US State Department said on Tuesday the visit was to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal and for diplomats to meet with Solomon Islands officials to “highlight the enduring relationship” between the two countries.
The visit is of particular personal interest to Sherman and Kennedy, whose fathers both fought there during World War II.
And it comes after the United States and several Pacific countries expressed deep concern about a security pact signed with China in April on the Solomon Islands that could result in a military build-up in the region.
The visit will also highlight the reopening of the US embassy in the capital, Honiara, as part of an express US strategy to counter China’s growing influence.
The United States operated an embassy in the Solomon Islands for five years before closing it in 1993.
Kennedy began his role in Australia after formally presenting his credentials on Monday. When she arrived in Australia last week, she told reporters the Pacific was important and “I think the US needs to do more.”
“We’re putting our embassies back in and the Peace Corps is coming in, and USAID is coming back and we’re coming back,” she said.
Kennedy said the Pacific was of great personal importance because his father, the late President John F. Kennedy, served there during World War II and was “rescued by two Solomon Islanders and an Australian coast watchman.”
Sherman’s father Mal Sherman was a Marine who was wounded during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
As well as Sherman and Kennedy, the delegation will include Chief Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kin Moy and Deputy Commander Marine Corps Lieutenant General Stephen Skalenka of the US Indo-Pacific Command.
During the visit August 6-8, Sherman is scheduled to deliver a speech at Skyline Ridge, site of the US Guadalcanal Memorial, and Bloody Ridge.
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