New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Winston, visited Palau to commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, highlighting the importance of all Pacific islands. Winston made the announcement yesterday at the Office of the President in Meyuns, Koror.
During the visit, New Zealand pledged $1.7 million to Palau to support the country’s marine initiatives. The funds are aimed at enhancing Palau’s capacity to implement marine plans, promote small-scale climate-smart fisheries, and strengthen marine protection, according to Winston.
Addressing the aspirations of other North Pacific islands, including Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa, to join the Pacific Islands Forum, Winston noted that discussions with the United States must occur first. He emphasized that these territories have a “special relationship” with the U.S. and that any decision on their membership should involve careful consideration with U.S. authorities. “If they agree to their membership or if we persuade them that the membership will be wise for them to have, then we will be on the same pathway to resolution,” Winston said.
Winston’s visit to Palau was the final leg of a broader tour of Micronesian nations, which included stops in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.