TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo reaffirmed his support for Taiwan’s international participation during a Taiwan National Day celebration on Friday (Oct. 4).

Teo pointed out that while the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been independent for 113 years and was a founding member of the UN, the 23 million Taiwanese are still unjustly excluded from the UN system, CNA reported. As a democratic nation that has made outstanding progress on sustainable development goals (SDG), Taiwan can make significant contributions to global SDG efforts, he said.

Tuvalu deeply values its partnership with Taiwan and will continue to fully support Taiwan's participation in the UN and its related organizations and activities, Teo said. 

The prime minister said that Tuvalu has maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan for 45 years since its independence in 1978. The friendship between the two countries is based on the principles of democracy and freedom and will continue to flourish, he said.

Taiwan Ambassador to Tuvalu Andrew Lin (林東亨) said that the two countries have closely cooperated in fields over the past half-century, including agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare. He said this collaboration has promoted Tuvalu’s sustainable development and economic growth while deepening bilateral relations.

The ambassador said he was honored that strengthening Taiwan-Tuvalu relations is one of Tuvalu's 21 key policy priorities, demonstrating the Pacific Island nation’s high regard for its unwavering friendship with Taiwan.

Lin thanked Tuvalu’s long-term support of Taiwan’s international participation. Tuvalu’s Health Minister Tuafafa Latasi spoke up for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly in May, while Teo also advocated for Taiwan’s right to participate in the UN during the UN General Assembly in September, Lin pointed out. 

Teo emphasized that UN Resolution 2758 does not exclude Taiwan from participating in the UN.