Toribiong and Crowe met yesterday, where the Brigadier General told the president that the Palau’s contribution to the United States is valued.
“He said in our brief meeting that the U.S. will defend Palau from external threats,” Toribiong said in an interview.
This is the first time that Crowe toured Palau, Toribiong added that Crowe’s father which was an admiral of the United States Armed Forces also has visited the country.
The president added that Crowe also reaffirmed commitment to work together and continue bilateral talks between the U.S. and Palau through the joint committee meetings.
The JCM is an annual meeting between the United States and Palau governments to discuss issues of importance to both countries under the Compact of Free Association which is relating to security and military matters.
Under the Compact, the U. S. through the Department of the Interior, provides economic and financial assistance, defends Palau’s territorial integrity, and allows uninhibited access by Palauan citizens to the United States in return for exclusive and unlimited access to Palau’s land and waterways for strategic purposes.
Toribiong said that Palau’s relationship with the U.S. is also reflected in the fact that hundreds of Palauan citizens serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and choose to further their education in the United States.
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