Palau, Sept. 1 -- Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met with Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. on the sidelines of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum to discuss how Palau's sound fiscal management and a faster energy transition can reduce the country's exposure to external shock, including the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict. To bring support closer to the countries it serves, ADB is expanding its presence across the North Pacific. Together with Presidents Whipps, Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands, and Wesley W. Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia, Mr. Kanda launched the upgrade of ADB's Pohnpei office to a North Pacific Subregional Office, which is expected to be operational before year-end an...