Palau's President-elect Johnson Toribiong has been awarded a Taiwanese medal of honour for his service as former ambassador of Palau to Taiwan.
He was bestowed the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Corgon.
Mr Toribiong told reporters he was recently invited to Taiwan to get the award and at the same time tender his formal resignation as Palau's envoy to Taiwan.
The Palau Horizon reports Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognised Mr Toribiong's service and lauded him for the close relationship forged between the two sides while he was ambassador.
The Taiwan government is sending a 13-member delegation to attend the new president's inauguration.
