U.S. President Joe Biden joined leaders of Micronesia after they signed a joint declaration reaffirming the Compacts of Free Association in New York City amid the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

The leaders of the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia took part in the ceremony alongside federal officials.

In his remarks, FSM President Wesley Simina emphasized the strategic importance of the compact in fostering a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. FSM President Simina, Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine met with Biden at the United Nations after the ceremony to discuss compacts.