Dear Editor,
Recent discussions on social media, and at the presidential debate have led to some confusion about the nature of our August 2020 communication with the U.S. Secretary of Defense. I want to clarify that our letter does not request the construction of a new U.S. military base in Palau. Instead, we are advocating for the joint use of infrastructure that supports both our national needs and U.S. military readiness.
The letter highlights our desire to enhance the existing partnership between Palau and the United States through practical measures. Specifically, we are seeking enhancements to existing facilities and infrastructure that can be used collaboratively and for mutual benefit. This includes upgrading port facilities, airstrips, and training grounds. The goal is to make better use of existing and planned infrastructure to benefit both parties.
We have noted that the current Defense Sites established under our Compact have not been fully developed or regularly utilized. Our aim is to ensure that these sites are effectively integrated into our strategic partnership and used to their full potential. By doing so, we hope to facilitate joint training and operations, which will benefit both Palau and the U.S. military.
Furthermore, our letter underscores the broader goals of our partnership, such as enhancing telecommunications resilience and seeking cybersecurity assistance and establishing a patrolling partnership for our territorial seas. These areas of collaboration are vital to strengthening our alliance and supporting our national development, beyond just the military aspects.
The proposed joint use of infrastructure is intended to foster a more effective and mutually beneficial partnership. It is not about creating new bases but about enhancing the existing framework of cooperation. We are committed to working closely with the United States to address our infrastructure needs while supporting the strategic interests of both nations.
We value our strong relationship with the United States and look forward to continuing our partnership in a manner that reflects our shared goals and mutual respect for our sovereignties.
Sincerely,
/s/ Tommy E. Remengesau Jr.