A National Security Strategy was submitted to the leadership of Congress (Olbiil era Kelulau) by President Surangel Whipps Jr. on June 3 saying it implements this year’s theme, Oterkeklel a tekoi er a klekerngel ma sebecheklel a beluu ma rechad: Ensuring our Security and Safety.”
Produced by National Security Coordinator as mandated by Executive Order No. 445, the strategy identify areas of security concerns and set priority areas for the Republic to follow and “to use as guidance to ensure” safety and security” of the people, the paper states.
Some of the top concerns include threats to economic security, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and protecting Palau’s EEZ from illegal activities that harm the natural environment and resources. It also identifies cybercrime and transnational crimes as threats.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. in his accompanying statement said that to strengthen Palau’s national security, we need to “cultivate stable and cooperative diplomatic relations with our strong international allies and trading partners.”
Emphasizing cybersecurity, Whipps noted the challenges in the cyberspace environment.
“Ensuring the cyber security and cyber defense, and combatting transnational crime, will require prioritization and the development of modern infrastructure to deter and prevent cybercriminal activities.”
“I trust that with this inaugural 2022 National Security Strategy, we can successfully achieve our national goals and strengthen our partnership with regional and international allies to protect our country and promote growth, efficiency, and sustainability in all our government sectors,” Whipps expressed. (By: L.N. Reklai)