Palau, U.S. economic consultations completed June 22
Representatives from the United States of America and the Republic of Palau convened in Koror, Palau, June 21-22 for bilateral economic consultations, according to a U.S. State Department press release.
The consultations are required by the Agreement between the governments of the U.S. and Palau following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review, signed by the United States and Palau in 2010.
“The annual bilateral consultations provide a forum for what I consider the ABC’s of our economic relationship: Accountability, Beneficial cooperation, and Capital mobilization – all to be achieved under an umbrella allowing for deep understanding of our mutual status, opportunities, and challenges,” President Whipps said.
The bilateral economic consultations included briefings and a review of recommendations from the Palau Economic Advisory Group (EAG), chaired by Professor James G. Galbraith, regarding the country’s economic, financial, and management reforms, according to the press release from the Palau government.
The bilateral consultations are one of the requirements under the Compact Agreement to review Palau’s progress in achieving reforms to help Palau frame and execute a vision for successful and sustainable economic recovery, reconstruction, and development. This was the first bilateral economic consultation between the two countries.
In addition to consultations on matters as required in the 2010 CRA, as amended, during these meetings Palau expressed an interest in joining the Blue Dot Network for infrastructure certification.
Palau is the site of one of the Blue Dot Network’s pilot projects, a sub-sea internet cable to securely connect and expand the country’s telecommunications to the rest of the world. mbj
A regional tropical cyclone formation alert has been issued as a developing weather disturbance northwest of Yap threatens to strengthen the seasonal monsoon across western Micronesia and the Mariana Islands.
Contributing to Valiant Shield 2026, the Guam National Guard joined the Washington National Guard in Palau to demonstrate expeditionary sustainment exercises providing logistics, medical, and communication support.
Super Typhoon Bavi slammed into Rota, the eye making landfall Monday morning. Bavi's winds and rains also swept across the other islands. All of the islands, with Rota being the hardest hit, had disruptions to power, water and communications. There also were extensive coastal inundation and erosion across the region.
Meteorologists warn that catastrophic winds from Super Typhoon Bavi are bearing down on Rota, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an extreme wind warning early Monday. The NWS issues such alerts when sustained winds of 120 mph or more are expected.
