U.S. Coast Guard hosts Palau delegation [Image 3 of 4]

The U.S. Coast Guard hosted a high-level delegation from the Republic of Palau at the Diamond Head Lighthouse in Honolulu, Hawaii, on March 20, 2024. The visit was part of a series of bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening mutual defense and security initiatives between the two countries.

Rear Admiral Michael Day, the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District, welcomed Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and other key representatives from the Pacific island nation for a reception following the working meetings. The discussions covered a wide range of topics crucial to the partnership between the United States and Palau.

The strategic engagement between the two nations comes as both countries continue to prioritize security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Palau, an independent island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, is a strategic partner of the United States and a member of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) since 1994. The COFA agreement grants the United States exclusive military access to Palauan territory in exchange for financial assistance and other benefits.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed various issues related to maritime security, border security, disaster response and recovery, and environmental cooperation. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Palauan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in fisheries law enforcement and marine environmental protection.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Palauan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The MOU aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the Pacific Ocean and promoting sustainable fisheries management practices.

The visit by the Palauan delegation to Hawaii marked the latest in a series of engagements between the two countries aimed at deepening their partnership and addressing common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Palauan government have a long-standing relationship, and this latest round of discussions underscores the importance of the partnership in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region.

The reception at the Diamond Head Lighthouse provided an opportunity for both sides to build on their existing relationship and explore new areas of cooperation. The event also highlighted the shared commitment of the United States and Palau to work together to address common challenges and promote mutual defense and security initiatives in the Pacific region.

The U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Nilson captures a moment from the reception, showing Rear Admiral Day in conversation with Palau President Whipps Jr., underscoring the importance of the dialogue between the two leaders in strengthening the partnership between their countries.