Australia enjoys a close and friendly relationship with Palau. Australia has established a new diplomatic mission in Koror, Palau. The new mission became operational on 17 December 2019.

Australia's bilateral aid program focuses on improving economic growth through upgraded telecommunications and internet coverage; achieving gender equality and enhancing women's empowerment; and the removal of explosive remnants of war (ERWs).

Expanding our diplomatic footprint

Australia is taking our partnership with the Pacific to a new level. We want to work with our Pacific partners to build a Pacific region that is secure strategically, stable economically and sovereign politically, and to that end, Australia has established a new diplomatic mission in Koror, Palau. The new mission became operational on 17 December 2019.

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Gender equality and women's empowerment

The Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development project was launched by the Australian Government in 2012. It is a 10 year, $320 million program, which aims to improve the political, economic and social opportunities of Pacific women, including in Palau. The Palau country plan aims to foster the economic empowerment of women, increase the participation of women in public life and decision making, and reduce the incidence of gender based violence.

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Clearing Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)

Australia is supporting Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) to continue the removal of ERWs in Palau. Since World War II, significant amounts of fired and unexploded ammunition remain in Palau. Australian funding has increased NPA’s clearance capacity to remove ERWs from land, in order to mitigate potential injuries and deaths and reduce environmental damage from ERWs in Palau.

ICT sector reform

Australia is working with the Government of Palau, the United States, Japan and other partners as part of a multi-partner effort to reform Palau's ICT sector and increase access to high quality, low-cost internet services. Australia, through the World Bank's Australia-Pacific Islands Partnership Trust Fund, provides technical assistance to reform the Palau National Communication Corporation and the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation, promote private sector participation in the ICT sector, and drive greater competition in the market.

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