TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Lai Ching-te (賴清德) lauded Taiwan-Palau relations in a speech at the Palau National Congress on Thursday.
Bilateral collaboration in climate change, education, and tourism has improved the welfare of both peoples and increased national prosperity, he said, according to TVBS.
“Taiwan and Palau are both important bastions of democracy against authoritarian expansionism,” he added.
The president also highlighted the two countries’ shared Austronesian roots, saying, “We share Austronesian heritage and that is what makes us family. We also share the values of freedom and democracy and that is what makes us like-minded friends.”
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. thanked Taiwan for its assistance with national development. “Taiwan truly cares and is a true friend in time of need,” he said.
With the help of the Taiwan Technical Mission, Palau received help in agriculture and food security and improved its aquaculture capabilities. Additionally, the Taiwan government has helped Palau build critical infrastructure and adapt to the effects of climate change, Whipps said. “Some countries have come and talked about it but Taiwan has acted.”
Whipps pointed out this year marks Palau’s 30th independence anniversary and 25th year of diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Lai arrived in Palau for a two-day visit on Thursday afternoon (Dec. 5). Upon landing Lai was welcomed by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau, Jessica Chienyi Lee (黎倩儀), and Palau’s Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, CNA reported.
Lai then proceeded to the Palauan Presidential Office for bilateral talks with Whipps before heading to the National Congress. He later attended a state banquet hosted by Whipps.
Lai is on the final leg of his tour of Taiwan's South Pacific allies, which included stops in Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Guam.
The president’s visit comes as Palau is trying to convince its regional neighbors to turn to Taiwan for economic and development aid. “Taiwan is a country you can work with. We are evidence of that,” Palau Ambassador to Taiwan David Orrukem told Taiwan News last month.