Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko, fifth from right, and US Ambassador Laura Stone, to his left, signed an enhanced Shiprider Agreement and then posted with US and RMI law enforcement officials next to the Coast Guard Cutter Frederick Hatch.
The Marshall Islands and United States governments last week signed a Shiprider Agreement, marking an important milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two nations to promote maritime security, safety, and sovereignty across the Pacific region.
The signing ceremony took place in Majuro and was attended by senior officials from both governments, including US Ambassador Laura Stone and Foreign Minister Kalani R. Kaneko.
The purpose of the Shiprider Agreement is to supplement the procedures of US law enforcement vessels to receive approval from the RMI government to conduct law enforcements activities, including boarding of vessels, to combat illicit maritime activities, such as illegal fishing, trafficking in persons, and other transnational crimes within the Marshall Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to protecting the vast ocean resources of the Marshall Islands and ensuring the safety and security of our maritime domain,” said Kaneko. “It is another demonstration of the strong and enduring partnership between our two countries under the Compact of Free Association.”
This Shiprider Agreement builds upon the existing framework of cooperation under the Compact of Free Association and aligns with the Pacific Partnership’s broader objectives to promote regional stability, sustainable ocean management, and collective maritime security.
