Today we are starting a new multi-part talanoa series on the relationship between the US and the freely associated states of the Marshall Islands, The Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.
In March this year the United States president Joe Biden appointed Ambassador Joseph Yun as Special Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations.
It is a significant appointment as the world super power negotiates with three tiny Pacific island states the next chapter of the funding arrangements under their respective Compacts of Free Association which are essentially security and cooperation agreements.
Joining me is our Marshall Islands correspondent Giff Johnson.
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An aerial view of Kwajalein Island, headquarters of the US Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll Photo: RNZ Pacific / Giff Johnson