Joint Statement by the United States and Japan on the Safe Removal of Oil in Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Japan on the margins of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga.

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We, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Komura Masahiro, are proud to acknowledge the Government of Japan's efforts to remove oil from World War II sunken vessels in the Chuuk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and look forward to working further to explore the possibility of a joint collaboration. Both sides are working in close consultation with the Chuuk State government and the FSM government on this initiative, acknowledging the important role of wreck diving to Chuuk's tourism industry.

As President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida announced during the Prime Minister's visit to Washington in April, the United States and Japan are celebrating a new era of strategic cooperation. These efforts are a testament to the benefit the U.S.-Japan Alliance brings to the people in the Pacific and the world.

We are proud to make this announcement at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga to reflect our efforts to meet the ambitions of the region. Our work together is a prime example of our collective commitment to deliver tangible public goods in support of Pacific priorities, namely protecting the ocean and environment in accordance with the Pacific Islands Forum's 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

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