Japan and Palau Signed about $0.9 million Grant Aid Contract for Disaster Reduction and Prevention

On June 15th, 2020, His Excellency KARASAWA Akira, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Palau, and Honorable Faustina K. Rehuher-Marugg, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau, exchanged notes on Japan’s grant aid of up to 100 million yen (approximately USD 0.9 million) for the implementation of “The Economic and Social Development Programme” (Disaster reduction and prevention) for Palau. This signing was done in the presence of Honorable F. Umiich Sengebau, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Tourism and Chairman of the 2020 Our Ocean Conference.
 
This project aims to build Palau’s future capacity to combat natural disasters through the provision of equipment and other forms of technical assistance. Such equipment includes telecommunication instruments, police cars, and materials to support the Koror State Government dock improvement plan. Considering the situation where Palau is hosting the seventh Our Ocean Conference at the end of the year (December 7-8, 2020), logistical capacity-building is highly essential.
 
At the ceremony, Ambassador KARASAWA stated that he hopes the project will help Palau for their safety and convenience and contributes to the success of the 2020 Our Ocean Conference in December.
 
Minister Sengebau expressed his gratitude for the Government of Japan’s assistance, stating that the project will not only help Palau in its effort to host the Our Ocean Conference but also achieve a sustainable future.
 
Minister Marugg also stated that Palau very much appreciates the contribution towards its environmental protection and conservation efforts. She further thanked the Government of Japan for its generous and continued support.
 
The Government of Japan previously announced a separate contribution for the 2020 Our Ocean Conference back in March, committing a financial assistance of 400 million Yen (approximately USD 3.8 million).