Palau–United States relations

Palau-United States relations are bilateral relations between the sovereign nations of Palau and the United States.

History

On October 1, 1994, after five decades of US administration, the country of Palau became the last component of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to gain its independence. In 1978, Palau decided not to join the the Federated States of Micronesia, due to culture and language differences, and instead sought independence. In 1986, the Compact of Free Association agreement between Palau and the United States was approved, paving the way for Palau's independence. [www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ps.html] However, the Compact was not ratified until 1993, and ultimately came into force when Palau gained its independence in 1994. Under the Compact, the U.S. remains responsible for Palau's defense for 50 years, but no US military forces are currently stationed in Palau. [www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2137.html]

History

Principal officials at the U.S. embassy in Koror

* Chargé d'Affaires--Mark J. Benzer [palau.usembassy.gov/about_the_embassy.html]
* Management Specialist--Valerie L. Polloi
* Political Assistant--Mona Carlson
* Consular Assisstant--Marjorie T. Towai
* Secretary--Francine M. Ngiraswei

Principal officials at the Palau embassy

* Ambassador--Hersey Kyota [www.palauembassy.com/home.htm]

ee also

* Foreign relations of Palau

References

StateDept [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1840.htm#relations]