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On November 12, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended an event to commemorate the independence of the Republic of Palau and the 25th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with Japan, held in Tokyo.
 
The Prime Minister said in his address,
 
“H.E. Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, and distinguished guests, I am truly delighted today to be attending, with my close friend President Remengesau, the ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, which has strong historical ties with us. President Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia, who is a friend of President Remengesau’s, has also graced the event today.
 
I would like to express my respect to President Remengesau for his instrumental role in driving the development of his country for many years while protecting the beautiful blue seas of Palau, and for his efforts to deepen relations between Japan and Palau. This year in particular, President Remengesau visited Japan several times, and many key figures from Japan also visited Palau. In addition, as befitting the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, there has been a revitalization of exchanges at the grassroots level, and many cultural and exchange events have been held. In particular, I would like to thank President Remengesau and Minister of State Rehuher-Marugg once again for attending the Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi, Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall) held the other day.
 
Following up from the Summit Meeting in March, we also held a meeting on that occasion, when we agreed to develop the friendship and cooperative relations between Japan and Palau more strongly.
 
Japan intends to strengthen its efforts to further deepen the bond between the two countries. In particular, with regard to the Our Ocean Conference that Palau will host next August, Japan is resolved to provide steady support not only for the substance of the conference, but also in the logistical aspects, in order to fulfill the high expectations from President Remengesau.
 
Furthermore, Skymark Airlines is advancing preparations with a view to launching the long-awaited direct flights to Palau. I have heard that it is planning to launch a direct flight at the earliest timing possible prior to the Our Ocean Conference next year.
 
Taking this opportunity, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Government of Palau and the Palau Red Cross Society for collecting donations in aid of the damage incurred in Typhoon No. 19.
 
The 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau somehow makes us see it as a mere 25 years. In reality, Japan and Palau had already forged a history of beautiful friendship long before that. If you were to look at the flags of the two countries, you will see how strong the friendship is between Japan and Palau, and what an inseparable relationship the two countries share.
 
I hope you now understand how the people of Palau feel towards Japan and, as President Remengesau mentioned earlier, how Palau is working together with Japan in the international arena, including its support of Japan.
 
Many words in the Japanese language have become part of the language of Palau. For example, “kanpai” (the Japanese expression for “cheers” when giving a toast) is “Siotots” (“shototsu” in Japanese means collision (of drinking glasses, in this case)) in Palauan. Should we not also answer this sentiment of the people of Palau? When direct flight service is launched, why don’t we take the direct flight to visit Palau.
 
I would like to end my remarks with my high hope that Japan and Palau continue to carve out a wonderful history, working hand-in-hand, and my wishes for the further success of President Remengesau and the development of Palau. Thank you.”