Possibly the largest delegation of any government parliamentarians will be visiting their counterparts in the Olbiil era Kelulau, from August 23-26, 2023. Members of the National Diet of Japan have accepted Palau’s invitation and confirmed their visit, according to letter from President Surangel Whipps Jr. to both Senate President Hokkons Baules and House Speaker Sabino Anastacio.
Original number of visiting parliamentarians was at 40-50 but Whipps said that number is expected to be higher.
Olbiil Era Kelulau (national congress), had invited members of the National Diet of Japan through Japan-Palau Parliamentary Friendship League to Palau but due to COVID pandemic, they were unable to accept earlier. But now, according to Whipps, they have accepted the invitation.
“This is one of the biggest delegations we will have received from any Parliament. As such, I am kindly requesting that we work together to ensure their visit is a fruitful and memorable visit where we can strengthen our ties with our friends from the Japan Parliament,” Whipps stated in his correspondence with both houses of Olbiil Era Kelulau. (By: L.N. Reklai)