Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano and his delegation wrapped up their six-day Taiwan visit which paved the way for the Indo-Pacific allies to further cement their long-standing ties Sept. 9.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the PM’s first state visit to the country is of particular significance as it falls on the 43rd year of the official relationship.
The PM stressed the long-standing friendship and robust ties with Taiwan during the full military honors welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Office Sept. 5 and again at the state banquet hosted by President Tsai Ing-wen later the same day, the MOFA said.
During the meeting and banquet with MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, the PM reiterated commitment to cooperating with Taiwan to safeguard freedom, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific amid the regional geopolitical challenges, the ministry added.
The PM signed a joint communique reaffirming bilateral diplomatic relations and two pacts on police and coast guard cooperation, and also witnessed the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on marine science and engineering cooperation.
Other highlights of the PM’s itinerary included calling on the Councils of Agriculture and Indigenous Peoples, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital and a local energy company to explore future opportunities for bilateral cooperation in fisheries, public health and clean energy.
The MOFA said the PM’s visit underscored shared values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The government and people are also grateful to the PM for promising to speak in support of Taiwan during the U.N. General Assembly later this month.
In the spirit of mutual assistance, Taiwan will continue to work with its democratic partner in key areas spanning climate change, culture, education, green energy, information and communication, maritime security, police affairs and public health, the MOFA said. (SFC-E)
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