On behalf of the United States, I congratulate the people of Palau on 28 years of independence and send you best wishes on National Day.
Our nations have a long tradition of friendship and partnership. The vital relationship between the United States and Palau is built on shared values and shared sacrifice. The United States and Palau’s shared commitment to democracy and a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our relationship.
Earlier this year, our two governments collaborated on the successful Our Ocean conference in Palau. This conference is just one sign of how cooperation between the United States and Palau can have a strong, positive effect throughout the Pacific.
Results of the US-Palau relationship include improved action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; strengthened maritime cooperation; an aggressive response to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic; and a cooperative response to the ongoing climate crisis.
There is still more work to be done, but with the friendship the United States and Palau have built between our nations, we know there are many years of peace and prosperity ahead.