Compact negotiations begin with the Republic of Palau’s COFA negotiation team meeting with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Joseph Yun and his team, for the first time this past week in Washington D.C.
Among the topics that the Palauan community has raised is the continuation of US Federal program eligibility, such as the Postal Services to Palau, FEMA, and Veterans Affairs services.
Led by Minister and Compact Chief Representative Kaleb Udui Jr., Ministry of Finance, the team included Ambassador Hersey Kyota, Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl of the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development, Lindsay Timarong, Chairman of the COFA Trust Fund Board, and members of the Technical Team from the Compact Review Advisory Group.
Chief Representative Udui began negotiations that will affect Palau’s economic development and economic assistance beyond 2024.