Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Palau President Whipps

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and President Surangel Whipps, Jr. met August 28 on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, where they reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the United States and Palau which has never been stronger. The two sides discussed cooperation across a range of areas, including bolstering economic links between our countries, attracting new investment opportunities into Palau, advancing long-term support for U.S. veterans living in Palau, and continuing cooperation on defense and security matters. President Whipps and Deputy Secretary Campbell also acknowledged the significance of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 and the ways it supports the bilateral relationship.

As a demonstration of our enduring partnership, the State Department, working with the U.S. Congress, intends to provide $20 million to Palau. These funds would help the Government of Palau continue to invest in the people of Palau and support their ambitious program of reform. The parties will work together to complete the necessary measures to provide these dedicated funds, including congressional consultation and notification.