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.
Palau hosted the meting with top officials from the US. The meeting was held at the Palasia Hotel yesterday.The meeting’s agenda included US briefings and updates on regional security, ongoing talks for the relocation of military personnel to GuamThe US has a 19-man delegation including Charge d’ Affaires Mark Bezner, USN Rear Admiral William French, USMC Col. J.K. Arruda, USCG Capt. Dana Ware, USA Col. Ed Toy, USAF Lt. Col. Jennifer Hughes, Assistant Customs Border Protection Atache Edward Bayron, Bill Brent of the US State Department, USAF Lt. Col David Sutton, USMC Lt. Col. Chris Walters, Political-Military Advisor Roy Tsutui, USN LCDR Christine Caston, USN LCDR Wendy Threlkeld, USN LCDR Ned Selander, USN LCDR Jeffrey Jasinski, JTFK Homeland Defense Inter-agency Coordinator Michelle Garcia, USN Lt. Wayne Fitts, USA MSG Paul Price and USA/USPACOM TSgt Joleen Manuia.The Palau delegation to the joint meeting was led by President Remengesau. The delegation also included Vice President and Justice Minister Elias Camsek Chin, State Minister Temmy Shmull, Health Minister Victor Yano, Finance Minister Elbuchel Sadang, Presidential Chief of Staff and Compact Chief Representative Billy Kuartei, Presidential Legal Counsel Larry Goddard and Bureau of Clinical Services Director Gregory Dever.Chin in an interview said that the Palau delegation raised issue on the upcoming review of the Compact, impact of the military build-up in Guam, continued visits of US vessels in Palau.
