By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau on Friday accepted the credentials of the new Canadian Ambassador to Palau.
Michael Leir presented his credentials to the president last Feb. 16, he also met members of the president’s cabinet.
Leir in his remarks said that Canada will continue to provide development assistance to Palau especially helping the grass root sector.
"Canada remains keenly interested in events taking place in other Pacific Rim countries. We welcome every opportunity to exchange views. Canada believes that dialogue is key to identify areas where we can work together towards our common goals of improving
the quality of life of our citizens through the promotion good governance, human rights and democratic and economic development," Leir said.
Remengesau for his part said that Palau also gives importance to priority issues in Canada’s foreign policy such as the protection of children in war-torn areas, reducing the threat of chemical and biological weapons, bio-security, peace in West Africa and the promotion of democracy throughout the globs.
The president also said that Canada and Palau has also something in common which is its policy on global warming.
"I assure you that you can continue to count on Palau’s enthusiastic support and cooperation as was accorded to your predecessor, Ambassador Jeab Fournier. I hope that you fall in love with Palau’s natural beauty and enjoy its warmth , particularly at this time of year when the weather in Canada is so cold.," Remengesau said.
Palau and Canada forged formal diplomatic ties since 1997.