President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the Nauru Parliament March 25, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing relations with the Central Pacific nation.
The Oceans of Democracy presidential visit underscores the special bond between Taiwan and Nauru, Tsai said. This is reflected by a shared commitment to promoting freedom, democracy, rules-based order and Austronesian heritage, she added.
Taiwan will continue working with Nauru to contribute to regional development and prosperity, Tsai said, adding that she looks forward to enhancing trade and people-to-people exchanges between the like-minded countries going forward.
According to Tsai, robust Taiwan-Nauru ties are evidenced by successful cooperation projects in such areas as agriculture, education and health care. Recent examples are a scholarship program, which has helped over 50 Nauru students study in Taiwan; the breeding of a more nutritious chicken; a mushroom cultivation trial program; and improved access to medical treatment via programs co-administered by International Cooperation Development Fund (TaiwanICDF).
Following Tsai’s speech, the parliament passed a resolution commending Taiwan for its relations with Nauru and supporting the country’s international participation in global bodies like the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization and U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Other activities on Tsai’s itinerary while in Nauru include attending the inauguration ceremony of the Taiwan Agriculture and Livestock Education Center, observing the signing of a coast guard cooperation agreement and participating in a state banquet hosted by Nauru President Baron Waqa.
During the final leg of Oceans of Democracy, Tsai will visit the Marshall Islands and deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Pacific Women Leaders’ Coalition Conference; meet with President Hilda C. Heine; and witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on establishing a fund for women entrepreneurs.
Tsai is expected to return March 28 to Taiwan after making a U.S. stopover in Hawaii. (SFC-E)
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