Twelve Pacific Island leaders will be hosted by US President Joe Biden at the White House this month.
US President Joe Biden. Photo: PETER ZAY
The now-confirmed meeting comes as Washington accelerates diplomatic efforts to counter China's presence in the region.
A statement from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the 28-29 September meeting will be the first US-Pacific Island Country summit.
"The summit will demonstrate the United States' deep and enduring partnership with Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region that is underpinned by shared history, values, and people-to-people ties."
The US has invited the 12 fully independent Pacific Island countries, but not New Zealand, Australia, Cook Islands, Niue, New Caledonia or French Polynesia.
A spokesperson for the New Zealand government said it welcomed the first US-Pacific Island Country summit.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with Biden earlier this year. Photo:
"We welcome increased US engagement in our Pacific region, and have been working closely with the US as they develop programmes to support Pacific priorities.
"We are an active participant in the US-led Partners in the Blue Pacific coordination mechanism.
"We are pleased that President Biden has invited Pacific leaders to the White House. This will be an excellent opportunity for them to discuss Pacific concerns directly."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently visited the White House where she discussed, among other things, the Pacific region with President Biden.
