“This is the first political-level visit, from what I understand, from an Australian politician too, to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands so it is very historic to be here and it’s a great pleasure to be part of it,” Marles told the Variety in an interview.
The CNMI is part of the U.S. and Marles said Australia considers it an important community in the region.
“The Pacific is something of a spectrum of sovereignty and so while the CNMI might not be a sovereign state, we regard it as an important community to establish and maintain relationship and to talk about Pacific issues which are common in others that we will visit this week,” said the Australian lawmaker who is also a member of the ruling Australian Labor Party.
With Marles are Ambassador Susan Cox, Australia’s envoy to the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands and consul general to Guam and the CNMI; Office of Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Adviser Chris Balaam; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Director for Bilateral Section Tony Huber; Australian Agency for International Development Director for Polynesia and Micronesia Nicholas Notarpietro; DFA Pacific Islands Branch Desk Officer Adelle Neary; and DFA support staff member Greg Eggins.
This is Marles third regional visit but his first in the American territories of the CNMI and Guam.
The delegation’s first stop was Palau.
From Saipan, the delegation proceeded to Guam yesterday afternoon where they were scheduled to meet with Gov. Eddie Calvo and FSM President Manny Mori who was there to campaign for his re-election bid.
Marles will discuss the planned U.S. military buildup including possible opportunities for Australian businesses while on Guam.
From Guam, the group will proceed to Pohnpei, then to Majuro in the Marshall Islands and finally to Hawaii where he will meet the state’s governor, the commander of the Coast Guard, as well as the deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Command.
While here, Marles and his team first met with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in the conference room of the Commonwealth Ports Authority.
The governor talked about “adversarial” U.S. policies like the federalization law and the World Trade Organization’s lifting of the garment export quotas which led to the demise of the local garment industry.
The governor said he is pleased with the Australian delegation’s gesture of visiting the CNMI.
The team then met with Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Senate President Paul A. Manglona and Speaker Eli D. Cabrera.
Marles said it’s important for islands in the region to join hands in finding solutions to common problems that they face in terms of fishery, the environment and fighting transnational crimes.
Australia is leading the fight against transnational crimes through the Pacific Patrol Program and the Pacific Police Development Program.
Marles said while he is pleased with the cooperation the islands are showing there is still a need to further strengthen their ties.
“The stops on this visit are diverse, but a common theme is maritime security and protection of fisheries resources. Australia funds the Pacific Patrol Boat Program, which plays a key role in securing the interests of Pacific countries’ exclusive economic zones,” he said.
