The ROC government donated a long-serving fisheries research boat to diplomatic ally Marshall Islands Oct. 11, a move expected to further bolster friendly relations between the two countries.
Organized by the Council of Agriculture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the donation of the 314-ton vessel allows the Marshall Islands to strengthen its maritime presence and boost transportation links between outlying islands.
COA Deputy Minister Chen Wen-te said the donation is a strong step forward in advancing bilateral ties, representing close economic cooperation in agriculture and fishing between the two nations.
“The waters of the Marshall Islands are an important area for ROC fishermen who enjoy access under mutually beneficial bilateral fishery contracts,” he said.
Chen made the remarks in a handover ceremony attended by Marshall Islands President Christopher J. Loeak at the COA Fisheries Research Institute in Keelung City.
Also present were MOFA Deputy Minister Tung Kuo-yu, Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Phillip Muller, Marshall Islands Ambassador to the ROC Phillip Kabua and Heltera Hermios, head of the Pacific ally’s council of tribal chiefs. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw