Marshall Islands President Jurelang Zedkaia and his entourage have arrived in Taiwan June 30 for a six-day state visit.
The trip is Zedkaia’s first to Taiwan since taking office in November 2009. According to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the visit the Marshallese president is scheduled to meet with President Ma Ying-jeou to exchange views on bilateral cooperation, and to call on Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng to get a deeper understanding of the operations of Taiwan’s legislative politics.
In addition, Zedkaia will receive an honorary doctorate in law from National Taiwan Normal University. He is also scheduled to visit the Ching Fu Group, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Group and Horizon Yachts in Kaohsiung for briefings on fishery and shipping industries, as reference for developing domestic fisheries.
The ROC established diplomatic ties with the Marshall Islands in 1998 and the two countries have maintained close relations ever since. In that time, Taiwan has helped develop the Micronesian state's infrastructure, introduce solar power and improve offshore transportation in the islands. Marshall Islands, in turn, has remained a staunch supporter of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and related activities.
Since his inauguration, Zedkaia has helped canvass international support for Taiwan’s bid to join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. According to MOFA officials, the country also joined in a petition with other ROC allies calling for Taiwan’s participation in the UNFCCC and International Civil Aviation Organization.
“The two sides will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation of all types under the principle of mutual trust and mutual benefit,” the MOFA said in a news release. (THN)
Write to Audrey Wang at audrey@mail.gio.gov.tw