On November 20, 2017, Hersey Kyota, Palau’s Ambassador to the United States presented his credentials to The Right Honorable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, as the first Ambassador of the Republic of Palau to Canada. He will serve as non-residence Ambassador to Canada while concurrently serving as full time Ambassador to the United States. Six other new ambassadors also presented their credentials on this same day.
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The ceremony took place at the Official Residence of the Governor General in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Governor General is a former astronaut, who has seen planet earth from space. In her official remarks she took the time to address each ambassador and their countries. In regards to Palau she said from space the earth looks so venerable, especially the islands, and we need to collaborate and work together to protect it from the effect of climate change. She said from space she could see the islands, including Palau, but they are so small and surrounded by the vast ocean so they do not appear very clearly. She is aware that the rock islands of Palau are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
After the official presentation of credentials, the Ambassador and his spouse, Lydia Kyota met with the Governor General privately for about ten minutes, where they discussed mutual cooperation between Palau and Canada, opportunities in education and training, visa waiver and work opportunity. She praised Palau for its strong leadership in protecting and preserving the environment. Afterward, Tester Yalap, his spouse Muriel Temol and their kids, Zoey and Zyler, joined the Ambassador and his spouse for photo up with the Governor General. [/restrict]