KOROR, Palau (Palau Horizon/Marianas Variety, Jan. 15) - Palau Ambassador to Japan Santos Olikong is ready to get down to work, vowing to further strengthen Palau’s diplomatic relations with one of its closest and most generous allies.
Olikong said he expects to be in Japan on Feb. 1.
He was officially sworn in after the Ministry of State learned that Japan had accepted his credentials.
But he still has to formally present his credentials to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and to the emperor of Japan.
Olikong said he knows he was nominated to a very important post, adding that Japan plays a very vital role in Palau’s economic development.
"Palau needs Japan more than Japan needs Palau," he said.
Palau, in turn, would continue to provide Japan marine resources and other raw materials.
Olikong said Palau gets technical assistance from Japan on aquaculture, medical services, tourism and infrastructure.
"Palau’s relationship with...