KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The Palau and Philippine governments will discuss the proposed plan to establish a Palau embassy in the Philippines, according to Minister of State Temmy Shmull.
Shmull is scheduled to meet with Philippine Ambassador to Palau Leoncio Parungao and Consul General Julius Torres to work out the details of the proposed embassy.
Shmull said they will discuss the protocol and process of establishing an embassy.
Earlier, President Tommy Remengesau announced that the fiscal year 2003 budget included funding for the establishment of an embassy in Manila.
Remengesau said Palau should reciprocate the diplomatic efforts of the Philippine government.
Shmull said the national government will work closely with the national legislature to get the funding needed for the embassy in the Philippines.
Remengesau noted the contribution made by Philippine nationals in Palau’s nation-building efforts. The two countries also have extensive labor and trade ties.
In addition, several Palauans go to the Philippines for medical services. Palau has a medical referral office at St. Luke’s Hospital in Manila.
