Finance Minister Elbuchel Sadang told the media that Palau does not want to miss the opportunity of establishing an embassy in the United Arab Emirates, adding that there is a need for the country to look “globally” to make sure it will not miss assistance from Arab countries.
Sadang’s statement followed after being asked by the media during the press conference on Wednesday, September 12, whether Palau trades with UAE. The question was raised due to the recent news about President Tommy Remengesau, Jr.’s nomination of a multimillionaire non-Palauan as Palau’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rabih Antonios Reaidy, a Lebanese.
“That guy (Reaidy) is only going to be paid $1 per year and he’s going to assist us, hopefully, to get more assistance,” Sadang said.
Sadang also reiterated that even in the absence of an office in the UAE, Palau has already received $5-Million renewable energy assistance from the said country. He was referring to UAE’s $5-million grant for the solar panel installations and water desalination projects in Peleliu and Angaur.
Fifty-thousand dollars is appropriated by the government for the establishment of the embassy in UAE even prior to the approval of Reaidy’s nomination.
Reaidy previously told Island Times that if his appointment for the post is confirmed by the Senate, he can help Palau promote its tourism and enhance collaborations with UAE for future projects that especially target the fields of education and health.
Reaidy is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RAR Holding Group of Companies since 2000 until the present. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)