US presence to sustain democracy, rights, development

AN increased United States presence in the Pacific region is to sustain democracy, human rights and economic development, says Ambassador Erin McKee.
During a tour of the US embassy building under construction in Port Moresby, she said the US “is here to stay and contribute to economic development in the region”.
“The establishment of the US embassy in the country represents America’s enduring commitment to democracy, human rights and sustainable economic development for PNG, Solomon Island, Vanuatu and the entire Pacific,” she said.
“Our goal is building economic prosperity by advancing free, fair and reciprocal market-base trade and investment policies.”
She said the US maintained a strong relationship with American business brands such as Colgate Palmolive, The Hilton, Exxon and Coco-Cola which provided jobs for locals.
McKee said they wanted to support a regional order to ensure all nations were strong, sovereign, independent and free from coercion.
“This goal underpins all of our work, because investing in citizens ensures our shared values of fairness, diversity and freedom, the core of our relationship, are preserved,” McKee said.