Clinton says Pacific region vital to US

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has promised more aid and development funding for small countries in the Pacific.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at the Pacific Islands Forum's post-forum dialogue in Rarotonga on Friday (local time), saying the Obama administration has made a 'major push' to increase the United States' engagement with the Pacific region.

'The 21st century will be America's Pacific century. The United States knows that this region is strategically and economically vital, and becoming more so. We, too, of course, are a Pacific nation,' she said.

'Our countries are bound by shared interests and, more importantly, shared values, a shared history and shared goals for our future.

'The United States is already invested in the Pacific; indeed, we are increasing our investments, and we will be here with you for the long haul.'

Ms Clinton signalled several aid announcements later on Friday, including $US32 million ($A31.2 million) in new program as part of the Asia Pacific Strategic Engagement Initiative she launched in July.

'These new programs will address the priorities that you have identified. One of these is sustainable economic development that protects biodiversity,' she said.

'One will help coastal communities to adapt to the effects of climate change. The other will help to develop this region's renewable energy resources.'

She is also expected to make an announcement on expanding the US's security partnerships with the Pacific, including blowing up unexploded ordinance left from past conflicts.

Ms Clinton also praised Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's 'unprecedented historic commitment' of $320 million for a new Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development aid strategy.

On Friday she will launch the Rarotonga Partnership for the Advancement of Pacific Island Women, in collaboration with Australia and New Zealand, 'to identify rising women leaders across the region, and connect them with networks o! f suppor t'.