A delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang took part in Belau Omal Marathon held June 4 in Palau, spotlighting Taiwan’s strong public and private support to boost sports and tourism sectors in both countries. Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s assistance in holding the event.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event attracted around 600 runners from Taiwan, Palau and other countries and territories around the world. Taiwan runners were successful in the competition, the MOFA said, adding that in the half-marathon race, Lai Ting-hsuan ranked first in the women’s category and Tien Jui-hsiang took second in the men’s group, with Tseng Ting-wei, Huang Hua-fan and Hsu Wei-po, respectively, gaining the first three places in the 10-kilometer category.
In an opening address, Tien said that Taiwan and Palau have established close partnerships as evidenced by enthusiastic engagement in the event by Taiwan central and local governments, the legislative body and businesses. The government will continue to work with our ally to advance economic growth and boost development and prosperity in the Pacific, he added.
The MOFA thanked Taipei City-based Chinese Taipei Road Running Association and enterprises such as Shin Kong Group and Taoyuan City-based China Airlines Co. Ltd. for their support. Taiwan will continue to work closely with Palau in various fields including sports, to deepen mutually beneficial partnerships and enhance bilateral long-term friendship, the ministry added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “The Belau Omal Marathon is a wrap! Taiwan’s proud to have had a role in Palau’s 1st international sporting event. Deputy Minister Tien happily started the run shoulder to shoulder with President @Surangeljr, symbolic of steady progress in bilateral relations & cooperation.” (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw