Security issues in the Northern Pacific mean Palau's president Tommy Remengesau cannot attend this week's Forum leaders meeting in Samoa.
The President of Palau Tommy Remengesau Jr. Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
The PACNEWS agency reported that the threats by North Korea have highlighted Palau's strategic military value in the region.
President Remengesau is travelling to Japan to discuss security issues with the US allies while his vice president Raynold Oilouch represents Palau in Apia.
Mr Remengesau's absence will mean at least three Pacific leaders will not be at the meeting, with both New Zealand's Bill English and Fiji's Frank Bainimarama forgoing the event.
