TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed Guam Governor Leon Guerrero to Taiwan on Tuesday.

Lai lauded Gurrero’s first visit to Taiwan as a testament to Guam’s support of the country and hoped for a new chapter in bilateral ties, according to the Presidential Office.

The president highlighted the shared Austronesian heritage between Taiwan and Guam. Together, the two sides are fostering mutually beneficial cooperation while facing global challenges, he said. Despite global uncertainties and heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Lai emphasized that unity and collaboration can safeguard peace and prosperity in the region.

Lai hailed the launch of direct Taipei-Guam flights as a boost to bilateral tourism and trade. Guam plays a vital role as a link between Taiwan and the US, he said.

Looking ahead, Lai said Taiwan and Guam could collaborate in sectors such as aquaculture processing, hydroponic agriculture, and manufacturing, to promote industrial development.

Guerrero said visiting Taiwan felt like reuniting with old friends. She praised Taiwan’s rapid development and rich resources in healthcare and education, and other areas, all of which contribute to the economy.

She looked forward to advancing the Taiwan-Guam partnership, especially in tourism, and expressed Guam’s willingness to offer incentives and favorable pricing to encourage Taiwanese airlines to establish regular flights to the US territory.