September 5, 2026
KOROR, Palau — On the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, joined Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; and United States Deputy Secretary of State and Peace Corps Acting Director Christopher Landau in signing a Letter of Intent supporting the return of the Peace Corps to the North Pacific region.
The signing represents an important and long-awaited step toward restoring the Peace Corps’ presence in Micronesia. Before Peace Corps operations ended in 2018, generations of volunteers contributed to education and community development while building lasting relationships between the people of Micronesia and the United States.
The signing carries particular significance for President Simina, who has personally advocated for the return of the Peace Corps since meeting with the former Peace Corps Director in Washington, D.C., in 2024. He has since continued to raise the matter during several bilateral engagements with the United States Government.
President Simina joined President Heine and President Whipps in welcoming the initiative and reflected on the lasting impact of Peace Corps Volunteers across the region. Recalling his personal connection to the program, the President shared that he was taught by several Peace Corps Volunteers during his early education and considers himself a product of their service.
The President acknowledged the important role Peace Corps Volunteers have played in shaping the lives of generations of Micronesians and strengthening the enduring friendship between Micronesia and the United States.
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