On Sunday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced Australia’s next High Commissioner to Palau. 

Mr. Toby Sharpe will lead Australia’s post in Palau. He is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently the First Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Beijing, China.

 Additionally, he has served overseas with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands in Honiara.

 In her statement, Wong emphasized that Australia will continue to work closely with Palau. “Australia and the Republic of Palau enjoy a strong relationship. Australia was one of the first countries to recognize Palau’s independence and establish diplomatic relations 30 years ago. We will continue to partner with Palau, including boosting air connectivity with the Palau Paradise Express, promoting tourism, enhancing trade, and strengthening people-to-people links,” Wong said. 

Minister Wong also thanked outgoing Ambassador Richelle Turner for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Palau since 2020. 

Ms. Turner was the first resident ambassador of Australia to Palau. The Australian Embassy in Palau opened on December 17, 2019, as part of Australia’s Pacific Step-Up initiative. (Bernadette Carreon)