2026 III
2026/6/10
From June 1st to 6th, 2026, H.E. Surangel S. WHIPPS Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, visited Japan to attend the “Island States Ocean Summit (ISOS): Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands” held in Tokyo, hosted by the Nippon Foundation with the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
Attendance to the ISOS
On June 3rd to 4th, President Whipps co-chaired the ISOS alongside Mr. Sasakawa Yohei, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, the organizer of the conference. In presence of His Majesty the Emperor, Prime Minster TAKAICHI, and other honorable guests from about 30 countries, President Whipps delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. President Whipps also took the stage at the special event session on "Sea Level Rise and International Law."https://www.mofa.go.jp/ic/ge/pageite_000001_00001.html（MOFA Website）
(Photo: Office of the President)
Meeting with Prime Minister TAKAICHI
（Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office）
On June 2nd, commencing at 2:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, President Whipps met with Prime Minister TAKAICHI, alongside other heads of state attending the ISOS. Please see below for further details.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ic/ge/pageite_000001_01669.html（MOFA Website）
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ic/ge/pageite_000001_01669.html（MOFA Website）
Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs MOTEGI Toshimitsu
On June 2nd, commencing at 7:25 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, President Whipps met with Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Please see below for further details.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_02386.html（MOFA Website）
https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_02386.html（MOFA Website）
Meeting with the Minister of Defense KOIZUMI Shinjiro
（Photo: Office of the President）
On June 2nd, commencing at 6:05 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, President Whipps met with Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, Minister of Defense of Japan. Please see below for further details.
https://www.mod.go.jp/en/article/2026/06/f2131590165643194ea76ee37d113c091ee4446b.html (MOD Website)
https://www.mod.go.jp/en/article/2026/06/f2131590165643194ea76ee37d113c091ee4446b.html (MOD Website)
Japan-Palau Parliamentary Friendship League
On June 2nd, President Whipps met with members of the Japan-Palau Friendship Parliamentary League. Discussions covered a range of important topics, including the human remains reparation projects in Peleliu and Angaur, as well as tourism development and other significant areas of Japan and Palau’s mutual collaboration.
Meeting with JICA President
（Photo: Office of the President）
On June 5th, President Whipps met with JICA President, Mr. TANAKA Akihiko and engaged in a productive exchange of views on promoting further cooperation in key sectors, including fisheries and infrastructure development. The meeting was held in recognition of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the JICA’s presence in Palau, which will be celebrated next year.
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/information/official/2026/20260605_11.html (JICA Website)
President Whipps also visited Taisho University and explored opportunities for academic exchange, and Iwatani Hydrogen Fueling Station in Tokyo.
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/information/official/2026/20260605_11.html (JICA Website)
President Whipps also visited Taisho University and explored opportunities for academic exchange, and Iwatani Hydrogen Fueling Station in Tokyo.