Airai, Palau — On January 13, 2026 — The Embassy of Japan hosted an official tour in Palau under the Economic and Social Development Programme Grant, joined by Members of the Japanese House of Councillors, to include Honorable Toshiharu Furukawa, Honorable Taro Yamada, Honorable Jiro Hata, and Honorable Mami Tamura.
The tour highlighted Japan’s continued assistance to Palau, with a particular focus on infrastructure, facility, and equipment upgrades at Palau International Airport. These improvements primarily support the Bureau of Aviation and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, strengthening both aviation operations and border security.
During the walkthrough of the airport’s departure building, the delegation observed the check-in counters, murals, passenger screening and immigration areas, terminal facilities, airline jetway bridge, arrival immigration processing area, and the Customs X-ray systems installed at the arrivals area and Secondary Inspection Room.
Prior to the site visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Charles Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries. Minister Obichang expressed Palau’s sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan for its steadfast support to the nation’s development as a small island state. He emphasized the importance of sustained partnership in advancing shared regional goals, particularly in strengthening security and promoting economic and social development across island states. This visit marks another important milestone in the enduring economic and social partnership between Japan and Palau. The Government of Palau extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Japan for the strong relationship and continued collaboration that both nations
