Palau and Australia mark 30 years of maritime security cooperation

8 May 2026 
Last week, the Republic of Palau and Australia celebrated 30 years of maritime security cooperation, marking three decades of partnership built on shared values, mutual trust and a commitment to safeguarding Palau’s maritime domain.

The occasion was marked by signing an enhanced Pacific Maritime Security Program Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Palau and Australia. The new MoU delivers additional resources and significant funding to better address Palau’s evolving maritime security needs, and support Guardian-class Patrol Boat, PSS H.I. Remeliik II. This enhanced support will boost Palau’s ability to protect its ocean territory and strengthen regional security against threats such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and transnational, serious and organised crime.

The major funding and resources provided include:

• Increased funding for vessel maintenance in Australia
• A steady provision of spare parts
• Funding for fuel and supplies for joint exercises and operations
• Additional training for maritime crews
• Enhanced aerial surveillance.

The PMSP represents the Australian Government’s longstanding commitment to Pacific maritime security, supporting partners to protect maritime borders, counter illegal activity at sea, and strengthen regional security.

Minister of Justice, the Hon Jennifer S Olegeriil said “Palau deeply values its enduring maritime partnership with Australia, which for 30 years has been built on genuine friendship, trust, and a shared commitment to protecting our maritime borders and the wider Blue Pacific region. Australia’s support through the Pacific Maritime Security Program has strengthened Palau’s ability to safeguard our waters, respond to emergencies, protect our marine resources, and enhance regional security cooperation. 

“With the emerging threats of transnational crimes increasing its presence in the Pacific, including Palau’s maritime jurisdiction, the Pacific Maritime Patrol Boat Program is also building its capacity with the support of Australia to respond to this threat through interdictions, seizures, arrests, and prosecutions of any identified or suspected illegal transport or activities in and around Palau’s maritime jurisdiction. The enhanced Memorandum of Understanding reflects our continued commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and more secure Pacific together”. 

The maritime partnership between Palau and Australia began in 1996 with the delivery of the Pacific Patrol Boat PSS H.I. Remeliik, which for over two decades provided an essential maritime capability for Palau. Its service to the people of Palau and the Pacific supported fisheries protection, border security and search and rescue operations. Palau’s Guardian-class Patrol Boat PSS H.I. Remeliik II remains central to this partnership. Delivered in 2020, the vessel and its crew play a key role in maritime surveillance, law enforcement and fisheries protection.

Remeliik II also plays a role in emergency response and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support, providing an essential lifeline to the people of Palau. Its crew recently completed a medical evacuation from Tobi Island, and went on to deliver supplies to Pulo Anna, Helen Reef, and Sonsorol Island, including food, potable water, medical supplies, and fuel.

Australian Ambassador to Palau Toby Sharpe noted that the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise both the history and future of the partnership. “As we mark 30 years of maritime security cooperation, we are celebrating not only the vessels delivered and agreements signed, but the hard-working crews, strong people-to-people ties and shared responsibility that continue to underpin the Palau-Australia partnership.”