Overview:
Palau marked its 31st Independence Day on Oct. 1 with congratulatory messages from global leaders, highlighting the island nation’s growing role in climate action, ocean conservation, and regional security. From the United States and European Union to Saudi Arabia, France and Ukraine, international partners praised Palau’s leadership and reaffirmed ties built on shared values and cooperation.
By: Bernadette Carreon
KOROR, Palau (Oct. 2, 2025) — Palau celebrated its 31st Independence Day on Oct. 1 with messages of congratulations from leaders around the world, emphasizing the nation’s role in ocean conservation, climate action and regional cooperation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on behalf of Washington, citing the long-standing relationship between the two countries under the Compact of Free Association.
“The United States and Palau have worked together to ensure prosperity, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific,” Rubio said. “Our decades-long partnership has been instrumental in managing regional and maritime security, while advancing economic development.”
The Republic of Palau gained sovereignty in 1994 when the compact took effect, establishing close defense and economic ties with the United States.
Palau’s anniversary also followed a recent visit by European Union Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert, who met with cabinet ministers including Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Steven Victor.
“Palau is a key partner for the EU in advancing our common priorities, including marine biodiversity protection and climate resilience,” Plinkert said in a statement. She also toured EU-funded initiatives such as the Kiwa Initiative and the Pacific BioScapes program, which support community development and climate adaptation in the region.
From the Middle East, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to President Surangel Whipps Jr., wishing him good health and the Palauan people continued prosperity.
France, through its official social media channels, also extended greetings, noting cooperation with Palau on international agreements such as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty.
Ukraine issued a message of solidarity, thanking Palau for its support and drawing symbolic parallels between the two nations’ blue and yellow flags, both representing freedom and resilience.