TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwan delegation led by Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Ljaucu Zingrur (曾智勇) attended Palau’s 30th independence anniversary celebration on Tuesday (Oct. 1).
The group arrived Sunday and met with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. to convey President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) message of congratulations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Zingrur thanked the Palau government for its staunch support of Taiwan’s international participation. Whipps spoke up for Taiwan at the UN General Assembly earlier in September.
Zingrur pointed out that Taiwan’s Indigenous culture has many similarities with Palau. Therefore, visiting Palau is like returning home, he said. The minister hoped that Taiwan and Palau would further strengthen Austronesian cultural exchanges and continue their close friendship.
Whipps, Speaker of the House Sabino Anastacio, and other Palauan government officials expressed their deep appreciation for the 25-year friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
They affirmed their unwavering support for Taiwan and pledged to advocate for Taiwan in international forums. They also emphasized that Taiwan and Palau are strong allies, united by shared democratic and freedom values.
Zingrur hosted a banquet for Palauan officials and traditional leaders later on Sunday. The next day, he attended the Palau Women’s Conference and later participated in a Palau Independence Day banquet.
Taiwan will continue to build on existing cooperation to strengthen the friendship with Palau and enhance the well-being of both nations’ peoples, MOFA said.
Whipps stopped in Taiwan for a two-day visit on Friday. He signed the “Joint Declaration on Promoting Tourism Development and Investment in Palau” with the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) during the 30th annual WTCC meeting.
The president expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s long-standing support in promoting Palau's tourism and economic development. He also highlighted the deepening economic cooperation between Palauan and Taiwanese businesses.
