KOROR, Palau (AP) — Palau Senator Secilil Eldebechel led the Palau National Group to the 86th Council Meeting and 52nd General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union (APPU) held in Tokyo, Japan, from March 11-13, 2024. It was the first APPU meeting since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The delegation, which included Delegates Warren Umetaro, Mario Gulibert, and Mengkur Rechelulk, submitted a resolution drafted by Eldebechel. Titled “Strengthening Economic Development by Promoting Sustainable Tourism Through Reliable and Affordable Airline Connectivity Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region” (CM86/RES/DR2), the resolution called for:
- Dialogue among member states to improve airline connectivity in the region, promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth.
- Exploration of multilateral air transport agreements, open skies policies, and streamlined visa procedures to facilitate travel and tourism exchanges.
- Prioritization of environmentally sustainable aviation practices, including fuel-efficient aircraft, carbon offset programs, and eco-friendly airport operations.
The resolution also requested the establishment of a working group and encouraged member states to regularly review progress in implementing the measure. According to the APPU 52nd General Assembly Joint Communique, eight of nine draft resolutions were adopted, including Palau’s.
Eldebechel met with Japanese Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism Kunosuke Kokuba on March 13 and presented a copy of the resolution. He also met with Hon. Ting-Yu Wang, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and National Defense of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, in Taipei on March 19. Representatives from China Airlines, the Civil Aviation Administration, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan attended the meeting.
Discussions focused on collaboration among APPU members, particularly Japan, Taiwan, and Palau. All parties agreed on the importance of promoting Palau’s tourism and increasing direct flights to strengthen the nation’s economy.
The APPU, established in 1965, initially included Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. Over time, Asian countries built relations with Pacific Island nations, leading to a name change to the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union in the 16th General Assembly. The organization currently has 21 member states, including Palau. Taiwan will host the 53rd APPU General Assembly in 2025.