TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister Panapasi Nelesone arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day trip to engage with high-level officials and witness the signing of two bilateral agreements.

This is Nelesone’s first visit to Taiwan since taking office last year. He will hold talks with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and meet with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), according to the foreign ministry.

The deputy prime minister will also attend a signing ceremony for a deal on labor cooperation and an accord allowing the Tuvalu government to recognize Taiwan-issued seafarer certifications. The agreements aim to expand cooperation between the two countries in the labor and maritime sectors, the foreign ministry said. 

Additionally, Nelesone will visit Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the International Cooperation and Development Fund for in-depth exchanges.

Taiwan and Tuvalu have had diplomatic relations for 46 years and built a friendly partnership, the foreign ministry said, adding that the two countries will continue to improve the well-being of both peoples and contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.