Visit to Palau

This week I will travel to Palau to further deepen Australia’s relationship with our partner in the North Pacific and celebrate key development project milestones.

I look forward to meeting President Surangel Whipps Jr and members of the Government of Palau to discuss important bilateral and regional issues, including regional unity, connectivity and security.

I will visit two critical infrastructure projects supported by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

The first is a solar and battery facility which will generate approximately 20 per cent of Palau’s annual energy needs. The second is a fibre optic submarine cable system that will ensure reliable, secure digital connectivity for the people of Palau.

I will fly to Palau via the new route between Brisbane and Koror, supported as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity.

Under the Pacific Flights Program, this link was made possible with the extension of an existing service from Brisbane to Port Moresby with Air Niugini.

These vital airlinks will further contribute to regional economic recovery and growth, particularly as tourism markets rebuild post COVID-19.

Australia is deeply committed to working in partnership with the Pacific family to achieve our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.