President Surangel Whipps Jr. is urging Palau’s national congress, the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), to ratify a treaty on mutual legal assistance with Taiwan.
The agreement, signed in 2022 by Vice President and Justice Minister J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior, aims to “combat transnational crime and strengthen global security,” according to a letter from the President’s office.
The treaty establishes a framework for both countries to collaborate in investigating and prosecuting crimes that cross borders. This includes activities like:
- Taking testimonies or statements from individuals
- Sharing documents, records, and evidence
- Serving legal documents
- Locating or identifying people
- Transferring people in custody for testimony
- Confiscating and forfeiting assets
President Whipps emphasized the importance of the treaty, stating, “By formalizing our commitment to mutual legal assistance, we signal to the international community that our alliance with Taiwan is not only built on shared values but also on a pragmatic approach to addressing the challenges of the 21st century.”
The agreement is currently awaiting approval by both houses of the OEK.