The U.S. Department of State has pledged $13 million to the Marshall Islands for the reconstruction of the Nitijela parliament building, which was gutted by fire last month. According to the Office of the Spokesperson for the department, Washington has partnered with Taiwan to assist the Marshall Islands in rebuilding the Nitijela. The government of Taiwan earlier pledged over $30 million to fund the building of a new capital.
“This investment reflects the U.S. commitment to helping the (Marshall Islands) rebound from this tragedy,” the Office of the Spokesperson said. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo pledged the U.S. aid during their visit to Majuro over the weekend.
“The deputy secretary expressed solidarity with the people of the Marshall Islands following the 26 August fire that destroyed the RMI’s parliament building and pledged that the Department of State would work with Congress to contribute at least $13 million to quickly rebuild the parliament,” said Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson.
