On January 16, commencing at 2:10 p.m. (same time in Japan) for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Melekeok, the capital of the Republic of Palau, to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Surangel S. WHIPPS, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya congratulated President Whipps on behalf of the Government and people of Japan on the commencement of his second term. Minister Iwaya stated that Japan and Palau have a “tokubetsu” (special) relationship and expressed his intention to strengthen the “kizuna” with Palau, making special note of last year’s 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Palau. In response, President Whipps welcomed Minister Iwaya’s presence at the Inauguration Ceremony and stated that he attaches particular importance to relations with Japan, and that he intends to continue to contribute to the development of friendly relations.
Ceremony of H.E. Mr. Surangel S. WHIPPS, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau.
- Minister Iwaya expressed his appreciation to President Whipps for emphasizing relations with Japan and trusting the safety of the discharge of ALPS-treated water into the sea, as evidenced by his visit to TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) in 2023.
- Minister Iwaya expressed his hope that Japan Airlines’ direct charter flights between Narita and Palau in March will increase the number of Japanese tourists. He also expressed his intention to work with Palau to promote tourism, and President Whipps agreed with that.
- Minister Iwaya went on to discuss cooperation for a sustainable fishing industry including the Ngatpant fishing port. He expressed his hope for the early expansion of fishing areas of the waters of Palau. Minister Iwaya also expressed his gratitude for Palau’s cooperation in collecting remains of Japanese war dead and his desire to accelerate future activities this year, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- President Whipps expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their long-standing cooperation and friendship, emphasizing that Palau and Japan are like brothers, with various aspects of Japanese culture, not only the language, deeply rooted in Palauan society. He stated that he would like to work with Japan on various issues in close cooperation with Prime Minister Ishiba.