Japan Hands Over New X-ray Systems to Palau

On Friday, December 05, 2025, a handover ceremony was held for the newly installed X-ray systems at the Palau Post Office and the Palau International Airport. Following the grant contract signed between H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan, on December 21, 2022, the ceremony commemorates the fulfillment of part of the USD 1.85 million grant from the Government of Japan under “The Economic and Social Development Programme”.


Palau has officially received a total of seven new inspection units, including two dual-view X-ray inspection systems, one dual-view X-ray inspection system with a low conveyor, one baggage scanner, and three mobile X-ray scanners. With the installation of these advanced systems, Palau is now better equipped to address the growing challenges of detecting and preventing the entry of illegal or illicit goods across its borders. The new technology will strengthen Palau’s capacity to ensure national security, safeguard public health, and protect its people from the risks associated with smuggling and other unlawful activities.
 
Ambassador Orikasa commented “With the introduction of these new systems, the customs inspections will be far more effective. I hope that the new systems will also act as a formidable deterrent to those who seek to exploit the borders for illegal purposes,” emphasizing Japan’s continued partnership with Palau in building a safer and more resilient nation.
 
Expressing profound gratitude for Japan's support, President Whipps commented, “With these new x-ray systems, we can maintain strong security while providing a far better customer experience, limiting secondary checks only to cases identified by the x-ray system. On behalf of the people of Palau, we express our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Orikasa and the people of Japan for this invaluable support.”
 
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Reklai Raphael Bao Ngirmang; Bilung Gloria Salii; Hon. Senator Siegfried Nakamura; Hon. Delegate Warren Umetaro, Floor Leader of the House of Delegates; Hon. Delegate Yutaka Gibbons Jr.; Hon. Charles I. Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries; Mr. John Tarkong, Director of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; Mr. Peter Polloi, Director of the Bureau of Aviation; Ms. Jennifer Anson, National Security Coordinator; Post Master General Mr. Santy Asanuma, and other key representatives.