TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. concluded a weeklong state visit to Taiwan on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.

Palau is one of Taiwan’s 12 official diplomatic allies. During his May 19–24 visit, Whipps met with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), and the two oversaw the signing of agreements on technical cooperation and diplomatic personnel training, per CNA.

The visit followed President Lai’s trip to Palau in December and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s (林佳龍) business mission to the Pacific island nation in January, MOFA said.

During his stay, Whipps toured businesses in southern Taiwan alongside Lin, as part of joint efforts to promote sustainable development and strengthen Palau’s tourism sector.

Following the delegation’s departure on Saturday, MOFA said the two countries would continue to deepen bilateral ties and cooperate to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.