16 April 2026

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Mr. Matt Murray, visited the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Headquarters in Honiara on Thursday, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to its partnership with the Pacific region.

Mr. Murray met with FFA Director-General, Mr. Noan David Pakop, who provided an overview of the Secretariat’s work and priorities. Discussions focused on the U.S. Tuna Treaty, the work to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and opportunities for strengthened collaboration.

Welcoming Mr. Murray to the Secretariat, Mr. Pakop acknowledged the significance of the visit. “We greatly appreciate your visit, which reflects the importance the United States places on its engagement with the Pacific region and with the FFA and its Members.”

Mr. Murray highlighted the growing importance of the Pacific in U.S. foreign policy, pointing to key areas of cooperation including the U.S. Tuna Treaty and ongoing efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

He said the Pacific Islands remain a top priority, noting there is strong potential to build on existing partnerships and continue working closely together.

Mr. Murray also noted that Solomon Islands was among his first visits since taking up the role.
The United States remains a longstanding and valued partner of the FFA. Cooperation under the U.S. Tuna Treaty, support for monitoring, control and surveillance operations, and broader maritime security efforts continue to play a critical role in supporting the sustainable management of the region’s ocean resources.

Mr. Pakop said the meeting came at an important time for the region.

“Today’s meeting provides an important opportunity for us to further strengthen this partnership, particularly as we navigate a dynamic regional and global environment,” he said.

Mr. Murray also toured the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, gaining first-hand insight into the region’s monitoring and surveillance capabilities. The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts.

The United States is one of FFA’s key development partners, alongside Australia, New Zealand, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union and Japan.

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA):

FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int

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