Taiwan and Tuvalu signed a joint statement for cooperation between the Legislative Yuan and the Indo-Pacific ally’s Parliament Jan. 10, spotlighting the government’s commitment to further cementing the two sides’ partnership, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Witnessed by MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang, the joint statement was signed by LY President You Si-kun and Tuvalu Parliament Speaker Samuelu Penitala Teo. Under the pact, the two legislative bodies will expand collaboration on issues spanning Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, Tuvalu’s economic reconstruction in the post-pandemic era and climate change adaptation.
According to You, Taiwan and Tuvalu share the universal values of freedom and democracy, which has laid a solid foundation for the countries’ close friendship. China increasingly attempts to solidify its geostrategic status in the Pacific, You said, adding that only when democracies unite can authoritarian expansion be curbed.
You expressed his willingness to visit Tuvalu when the country’s pandemic restrictions are lifted and pledged to seek more ways to expand parliamentary exchanges in the meantime. The two countries’ lawmakers will also have an opportunity to share information and experiences at the upcoming annual meeting of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union, he said.
In response, Teo said Tuvalu is a true friend of Taiwan and supports the country at international events like meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organization, U.N. General Assembly, U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and World Health Assembly. The two sides will advance collaboration on infrastructure development and talent cultivation going forward, he added. (YCH-E)
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