TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office congratulated incumbent Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. for winning a second term on Thursday (Nov. 7).
Presidential Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said the two countries share a close bond as diplomatic allies for 25 years. She added they have worked closely in areas such as infrastructure, agricultural technology, and clean energy, per the Presidential Office.
“Taiwan looks forward to further strengthening and deepening the close ties with Palau on the solid foundation of their existing relationship," Kuo said.
Taiwan will continue to collaborate with Palau’s new administration to uphold peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting the bilateral friendship, she added.
Whipps ran against former Palau President Tommy Remengesau.
Taiwan and Palau have deepened ties as China seeks to poach the Pacific Island nation by weaponizing tourism. In September, Whipps inked the Joint Declaration on Promoting Tourism Development and Investment in Palau with the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Whipps has reaffirmed his alliance with Taiwan multiple times during his presidency. During the UN General Assembly, the president said Taiwan made "valuable contributions to global sustainable development and technical cooperation.” He also pointed out the hypocrisy of Taiwan’s exclusion despite the organization’s mission of “leaving no one behind.”
On Palau’s 30th Independence Day, Whipps and other Palauan government officials expressed their appreciation for the 25-year friendship with Taiwan. They reiterated their unwavering support for Taiwan and pledged to advocate for Taiwan in international forums.