TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a week-long state visit at the invitation of the Taiwan government.

Whipps is leading a delegation that includes Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, and nine other officials, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks Whipps’ first state visit to Taiwan since his re-election in November.

On May 20, he will receive military honors, attend a state banquet, and witness the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on training and exchanges for diplomatic personnel with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). The delegation will also visit Taiwanese industries to promote bilateral cooperation across various sectors and deepen the friendship between the two nations, MOFA said.

Taiwan and Palau have enjoyed 26 years of diplomatic relations marked by mutual trust and cooperation. MOFA pledged to continue leveraging Taiwan’s industrial strengths to support Palau’s sustainable economic development and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.