Overview:
Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. is in Auckland for a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening ties with New Zealand on climate action, conservation and economic growth. The trip includes high-level meetings with top leaders and key engagements focused on regional cooperation and sustainability.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. arrived in Auckland on Monday for a four-day official visit to deepen ties with New Zealand on climate action, conservation and economic growth.
Whipps, accompanied by Justice Minister Jennifer S. Olegeriil and House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, will hold high-level meetings through Thursday with New Zealand’s Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts, Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters and Conservation Minister Hon Tama Potaka.
The itinerary includes business engagements, a marine industry visit and conservation activities in Auckland and Rotorua, such as trips to Te Puia and Mount Tarawera. Discussions will also cover regional security issues like transnational crime, with a focus on policing, law enforcement and cooperation.
The visit highlights the strengthening partnership between the two nations amid key Pacific events: Palau hosts the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September, while New Zealand will host it in 2027.
A young Palauan woman welcomed the outreach.
“From my perspective, I think Palau’s strengthening partnership with New Zealand is really important, especially when it comes to climate action and economic growth,” she said. “As a small island nation, we are on the frontlines of climate change, so having strong partnerships can help us access more support, knowledge and resources to protect our environment and build a more sustainable future for our people.
“With Palau hosting the 55th Pacific Islands Forum this year, I also think this visit is very significant because it shows Palau is actively involved in regional leadership. It helps strengthen our voice in the Pacific and highlights the importance of unity among island nations when addressing shared challenges like climate change, security and development.”