The first Australian Bi-Partisan Parliamentary visit to Palau this June led by Australia Foreign Minister Honorable Julie Bishop MP and her distinguished delegation resulted in a signing of Australia-Republic of Palau Aid Partnership Arrangement.
Members of the Honorable Julie Bishop MP’s delegation included Minister for the International Development and the Pacific, the Honorable Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for the International Development and the Pacific, the Honorable Senator Clair Moore and the Australian Ambassador George Frazer.
During their visit to Palau, the met with President Remengesau who expressed Palau’s appreciation of Australia’s continuing support of Palau marine law enforcement. This includes the provision of a new patrol boat in 2020 to replace PSS H.I Remeliik which was originally provided by Australian government.
Remengesau also discussed with Bishop and her delegation of ways Australia can assist Palau’s tourism development through direct flights from Australia to Palau.
The Australia-Republic of Palau Arrangement agreed to open up Australian aid for Palau, both government and private sector in order to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals and in line with Palau 2020 Masterplan.
Bishop and her delegation left to the rest of FSM and Marshall Islands for the first north Pacific tour.