TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan donated two multifunctional patrol boats to Tuvalu in a handover ceremony on Wednesday (May 22) in Pingtung.
Taiwan Ambassador to Tuvalu Andrew Lin (林東亨) presented the two boats to Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo on behalf of the Taiwan government.
In a speech, Teo praised Taiwan for assisting Tuvalu in enhancing its maritime patrol capabilities and marine conservation efforts.
One boat would be named "Te Kaleva," meaning “perseverance” and the other would be dubbed "Te Akiaki," meaning “abundant catch,” Teo said, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Both names were inspired by indigenous Tuvaluan birds.
Teo said diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Tuvalu have remained strong for 45 years. He noted the fruitful cooperation between the two nations and the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
Lin said the patrol boats would meet Tuvalu's needs for coast guard operations, significantly boosting the country's coastal rescue and law enforcement capabilities.
Taiwan and Tuvalu signed a coast guard cooperation agreement in September 2022 to assist the Pacific Island nation and help protect its marine resources, combat maritime crime and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and enhance its maritime law enforcement.
Taiwan had pledged to donate two patrol boats to Tuvalu in a separate deal signed last July.
As an important development partner in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan will continue to expand cooperation with its Pacific allies and like-minded countries to promote sustainable peace, stability, and prosperity, MOFA said.
