President Tsai Ing-wen was officially welcomed at the Nauru Presidential Office March 25 on the second leg of her eight-day Oceans of Democracy state visit to three ROC (Taiwan) diplomatic allies in the Pacific.
During the event, Tsai described the bilateral relationship as “better than best friends,” adding that the like-minded countries are members of the vast Pacific Ocean family with a shared commitment to promoting democratic values and marine sustainability.
The government looks forward to taking Taiwan-Nauru ties to even greater heights, Tsai said, citing potential-laden areas such as agriculture, clean energy, health care and talent cultivation, as well as maritime search and rescue, and law enforcement.
Tsai also conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon upon Nauru President Baron Waqa for his contributions to advancing two-way ties, especially his staunch support for expanding Taiwan’s international participation. The honor symbolizes the heartfelt gratitude of the 23 million people of Taiwan, she said.
Prior to arriving in Nauru, Tsai spent the final day of her March 21-24 stay in Palau attending a breakfast meeting with President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., other senior government officials and tribal chiefs.
Other highlights of Tsai’s three-day visit included presiding over the donation of medical equipment by Taipei City-based Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital to Palau’s Ministry of Health; observing a coast guard search and rescue drill; and witnessing the signing of an agreement on coast guard cooperation by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu and Palau Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch.
Tsai departs March 26 for the Marshall Islands where she will meet with President Hilda C. Heine; deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Pacific Women’s Leaders Coalition Conference; and witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on establishing a fund for women entrepreneurs. She is expected to return March 28 to Taiwan after making a U.S. stopover in Hawaii. (SFC-E)
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