President Lai Ching-te thanked Palau for its staunch support of Taiwan’s international participation despite escalating geopolitical pressure, and spoke of expanding bilateral cooperation to jointly advance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Lai made the remarks during a meeting with President Surangel Whipps Jr. May 20 in the Presidential Office in Taipei City. He also noted that Taiwan and Palau share Austronesian roots in addition to their shared respect for human rights and the high value both countries place on democracy and freedom.
The president said the allies enjoy close cooperation in fields spanning agriculture, education and medicine, and work together to tackle climate change and conduct humanitarian relief efforts.
Whipps said in response that bilateral exchange is becoming more frequent, with many entrepreneurs from Taiwan visiting his country with fruitful results. He added that the countries will celebrate the 26th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year with bilateral projects for infrastructure, renewable energy and tourism.
Following the meeting Lai and Whipps witnessed the signing of two cooperative agreements by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and his Palauan counterpart, Gustav Aitaro. The agreements facilitate the training and exchange of diplomatic personnel as well as collaborations on technology, the PO said.
Later the same day Lai and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim hosted a state banquet for Whipps and his delegation, the PO said. Lai said he hoped to work with Palau on expanding sports exchanges, while Whipps described his vision of a bright future where the two countries team up in areas including smart medicine. (POC-E)
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