President Tsai Ing-wen touched down March 21 in Palau on the first leg of her eight-day Oceans of Democracy state visit to three ROC (Taiwan) Pacific allies.
Upon deplaning at Palau International Airport, 25 kilometers outside the capital city of Ngerulmud, Tsai and her delegation were welcomed by Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch and a police honor guard. She was later greeted by President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and first lady Debbie M. Remengesau at Palau Royal Resort.
Prior to her departure at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan, Tsai said her Oceans of Democracy 2019 Presidential Visit will raise the country’s international profile while showcasing the success of its cooperation programs with like-minded countries throughout the Indo-Pacific.
This trip is an outstanding opportunity for Taiwan and its allies to share respective experiences in promoting democracy and global sustainability, as well as garnering support for Taiwan’s participation in related international activities, Tsai added.
During Tsai’s stay in Palau, she will meet with President Remengesau, Senate President Hokkons Baules, witness the signing of a bilateral coast guard cooperation agreement, observe a coast guard patrol exercise, tour Dolphins Pacific, visit Belau National Museum and preside over the donation of medical equipment.
Tsai departs March 24 for Nauru where she will meet with President Baron Waqa, address the Nauru parliament, visit agricultural and medical missions, and witness the signing of a bilateral coast guard cooperation agreement.
While in the Marshall Islands March 26-27, Tsai 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.
Tsai, who is expected to make a U.S. stopover in Hawaii, returns March 28 to Taiwan. (SFC-E)
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