[ad_1]
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Peter Winston is visiting Palau to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and to highlight the importance of all Pacific Islands. Winston made the announcement yesterday at the President’s Office in Mayouns, Koror Island.
During the visit, New Zealand pledged $1.7 million to Palau to support the country’s ocean plan. Winston said the funds are intended to increase Palau’s capacity to implement the ocean plan, promote small-scale climate-smart fisheries, and strengthen marine conservation.
Speaking about the desire of other North Pacific islands such as Guam, Saipan and American Samoa to join the Pacific Islands Forum, Winston noted that discussions must first be held with the United States. He stressed that the territories have a “special relationship” with the United States and any decision on their membership should be carefully considered by U.S. authorities. “If they agree to join, or we convince them that it is wise to join, then we will go down the same path to resolve it,” Winston said.
Winston’s visit to Palau is the last stop on his visit to Micronesian countries, which also includes the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Related
[ad_2]
Source link
