Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States, I want to convey my deepest condolences to the family of former President Litokwa Tomeing and to the people of the Marshall Islands on his passing.

President Tomeing was a seminal figure in the founding institutions of his nation, including his role in the Marshall Islands Constitutional Convention.  The Republic of the Marshall Islands was blessed by his vibrant political career in local and national governments.  Perhaps one of his greatest legacies is the part he played in expanding the Marshall Islands’ international presence by successfully advocating for the establishment of the nation’s first consulate in the United States in Springdale, Arkansas to serve what is now the largest Marshallese community outside of the Marshall Islands.

We commend him for his decades of public service.  Together our two countries can honor his memory and legacy through our continued work together and commitment to shared values.