Republic of Palau, January 16, 2025 – H.E. President Hilda C. Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. arrived in Palau on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to attend the inauguration of the 12th Constitutional Government of the Republic of Palau. Upon arrival in Koror, President Heine and the First Gentleman immediately joined the rest of the RMI delegation for a courtesy call on H.E. President Surangel Whipps, Jr. where they offered congratulatory messages and gifts on behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The courtesy visit was followed by a trilateral meeting at the Capital for the Freely Associated States (FAS) Leaders. The discussions focused on key issues affecting the FAS nations, particularly the challenges in the implementation of the U.S.-RMI Compact of Free Association and the updated provisions under the newly renegotiated Federal Programs and Services Agreement (FPSA). The United States Postal Services (USPS) provisions under Article VI of the FPSA was a major point of discussion with the exclusion of flat-rate parcels and boxes from the RMI to the U.S. in the updated agreement. The need for better services in the Veterans Affairs program was also highlighted as well as other critical regional issues. Collective efforts would be required from all three FAS nations including coordinated advocacy to address these challenges.
All three leaders shared their mutual cooperation and expressed optimism about the future of their partnership and dedication to fostering collaboration for the prosperity and resilience of their people and the wider Pacific region.
President Heine was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hon. Kalani Kaneko, Finance Minister Hon. David Paul, Honorary Consul of Palau to RMI, Mr. Hirobo Obeketang, Honorary Consul of RMI to Palau, Mr. Ephraim Ngirachitei, Chief of Staff Emma Kabua-Tibon, and Assistant Secretary Winder Loeak.