The United States is a Pacific nation, and thus strong ties with the Pacific Islands are a top priority for our foreign policy. On behalf of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, I’ve been honored to lead our diplomatic efforts in this vital part of the world. As Deputy Secretary of State, I’ve traveled to Fiji, […]
Tag: cofa
Palau Draws $45.8M in CRA, Compact Trust Funds Through Third Quarter of FY 2026
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 10, 2026) — Palau has drawn $45.8 million in funding from the Compact Review Agreement and Compact Trust Fund during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance’s quarterly report to the Olbiil Era Kelulau. The amount represents about 81.5% of the $56.2 […]
Taiwan VP Hsiao says U.S.-China engagement should not come at expense of regional security
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — “We have the same belief as the United States — that peace is maintained through strength,” Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao said, emphasizing that continued U.S. engagement with China does not signal a weakening of support for Taiwan, Palau or other partners in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking to Island Times […]
US COFA consultation meeting with Palau held
The United States and Palau began the initial talks for the upcoming Compact of Free Association (COFA) negotiation through a consultation meeting held at the Palau Royal Resort on October 8. The US consultation team shared the need for them to gather information about the issues that Palau wanted to address about the COFA. Vice […]
No recent official communications on COFA immigration rules: Director of Foreign Affairs
Recently a media outlet in Guam reported about the possibility of Trump administrations new rule barring immigrants from entering United States if they’re unable to sustain themselves affecting the citizens of Palau, to which the Palau Director of Foreign Affairs stated that there has been no official communication regarding the matter. Under the current terms […]
US vows to fast track COFA talks
The recent meeting of the leaders of Micronesia and United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo ended up with the US promising that it would like to conclude the negotiations on the expiring financial package of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) by the end of 2020. Vice President Raynold Oilouch, who represented Palau during […]
