On 20 September 2024, the Japan-Palau Policy Consultation on International Cooperation was held at the Embassy of Japan in Koror to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Palau.
The Japanese delegation was represented by His Excellency ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau; Mr. ENOSHITA Kenji, Director of the Country Assistance Planning Division I, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. IWANO Junnosuke, Director of the Pacific and Southeast Asia Division 6, JICA Headquarters in Japan. Palau was represented by the Honorable Gustav Aitaro, Minister of State; the Honorable Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development (MHRTCD); the Honorable Steven Victor, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment; and other senior officials from various ministries.
The timely policy consultation follows the discussions between President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA at the Palau-Japan Summit meetings, which have occurred four times over the last three years. In alignment with the summit meetings, the policy consultation addressed the following topics: (1) The dispatch of Japanese experts and other personnel to support Palau’s economic development; (2) projects targeting the sustainable development of Palau’s fisheries industry, ensuring conservation and economic development, including port development; (3) specific projects to increase agricultural production; (4) bilateral cooperation to achieve the 2032 target for renewable energy; (5) Savings Bonds; (6) Ngatpang Port.
Both Japan and Palau reaffirmed their commitment to this robust partnership, alongside other like-minded organizations, NGOs, and Japanese companies that are providing assistance to Palau.