By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Koror--Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Official for Palau, and President Surangel Whipps Jr. led the bilateral Joint Committee Meeting Nov. 16 and 17 in Koror, joined by senior leaders from
INDOPACOM, the U.S. Department of State and the government of Palau.
The JCM is in accordance with the Compact of Free Association Title
III: Security and Defense Relations and promotes ongoing dialogue between
nations for the purpose of enhancing security and defense responsibilities
in the region.
"We are in a period of change and strategic growth in our defense posture in
this region," Huffman said. "It is crucial that we have a full understanding
of our individual and mutual needs as two countries in partnership - so that
our military can successfully protect and defend our people and our freedoms
as we have promised."
The JCM agenda for this session included defense responsibilities,
infrastructure building, and regional military exercises.
"With our goals aligned, we will advance our security efforts, as partners,
for the mutual benefit of our two countries and the region," U.S. Ambassador
to Palau Joel Ehrendreich said. (JRM)
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition