Ambassador KASAHARA joins UNODC・VBSS Training

On July 31, Ambassador KASAHRA Kenichi participated in the Visit, Board, Search＆Seizure (VBSS) training and closing ceremony at the Marine Law, conducted under the ‘Project for Capacity Strengthening for Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies of the Pacific Island Countries to Efficiently Counter Maritime Crime’ supported by UNODC with the funding of the Government of Japan.

This VBSS training was conducted as the culmination of a two-week training program for Marine Law officers, and marked the first time that K9 dogs were introduced in a VBSS exercise under this project. At the closing ceremony, Ambassador Kasahara presented certificates of completion to the officers and stated in his speech: 'Strengthening Palau's maritime security capacity contributes to the safety and stability not only of Palau but of the entire region. Having observed the training, I am confident that this program has contributed to enhancing the capabilities of the maritime law enforcement authorities.'

This project covers nine Pacific Island countries, including Palau, and was launched in 2023 with a grant of 817 million yen (approximately 6 million USD) from the Government of Japan.