TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US announced more than NT$4.76 billion (US$150 million) in support for Pacific Island countries on Tuesday, including two projects in Palau involving cooperation with Taiwan.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau disclosed the funding at the Pacific Islands Forum Partners Dialogue in Palau, according to a press release. The State Department said the new US-funded projects and investments aim to promote economic prosperity and security for Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The State Department said the US commitment to the security and prosperity of the Pacific Islands remains a key pillar of its “America First” foreign policy. Washington said it is prioritizing commercial diplomacy and reshaping foreign assistance around US businesses and infrastructure that support private-sector-led economic growth.
The Palau National Hospital relocation project involves the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, “a key partner of Palau,” supporting the development and operation of a new, modern hospital facility, the department said. The project is subject to the outcome of a feasibility study and is intended to meet Palau’s long-term health and infrastructure needs.
The US Environmental Protection Agency is also working with Taiwan on a drinking water sampling project in Palau. The project will also train Palau’s drinking water operators and environmental laboratory regulatory staff in proper sampling and logistical techniques.
