President Tsai Ing-wen said Nov. 6 that she hopes the governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Kiribati can enhance collaborative efforts to fight the common challenges presented by global climate change.
Kiribati is a staunch diplomatic ally of the ROC, Tsai said, citing as evidence Kiribati’s constant support for the country on the international stage. She specifically expressed gratitude to Kiribati President Taneti Maamau for advocating the nation’s meaningful participation in the U.N. system during the world body’s General Assembly.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving a Kiribati delegation led by House of Assembly Speaker Tebuai Uaai at the Office of President in Taipei City. The nine-member delegation is on a six-day visit set to conclude Nov. 9.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 2003, the two sides have cooperated on over 100 programs in a variety of areas such as agriculture, fisheries, green energy, health care and talent training, Tsai said. To facilitate exchanges between youths, the president noted Taiwan will make an additional 18 scholarships available to young people from the nation’s six diplomatic allies in the Pacific region.
Tsai also spoke of her recent official visits to Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, saying that the island nations of the Pacific—including Kiribati—all face challenges due to climate change and should collaborate toward in fostering sustainable development. Taiwan is committed to working with diplomatic allies and partners in the region in implementing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, she added. (CPY-E)
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