A new patrol vessel, administrative building and vessel berth has been donated to the Republic of Palau.
Japan-based not-for-profit grant making organisation The Nippon Foundation presented the Kedam vessel, administrative building ‘Bai ra Bul’ and berth ‘Melusch Melachel’ to the Republic of Palau, off the south coast of Japan, in a ceremony at the Division of Marine Law Enforcement (DMLE), Koror, Palau.
The Nippon Foundation will pay for Kedam’s maintenance costs for 10 years, while the Sasakawa Peace Foundation will provide training and salary for the crew.
The Nippon Foundation and the government of the Republic of Palau exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in February 2015 which included support towards Palau’s coast guard capability enhancement, protection of the environment and eco-conscious tourism.
In 2016, The Nippon Foundation, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the government of the Republic of Palau held a trilateral meeting where the MOU was further strengthened with new provisions added enhancing the capabilities and capacity of Palau’s marine law enforcement.
These included several new provisions such as a 40m patrol vessel; assistance for crew employment and training; a berth for patrol vessels; new administrative building; and patrol boat Euatel.
