TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US, with Taiwan’s support, will provide more than US$21 million (NT$634 million) to help the Marshall Islands rebuild its fire-damaged legislature and improve transportation, including its airline fleet.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited Palau and the Marshall Islands from Sept. 17–18 to highlight growing ties, per CNA. During the trip, he expressed support for the Marshall Islands’ Nitijela parliament building, pledging at least US$13 million for rapid reconstruction in coordination with the US Congress.

Half of the Nitijela building was destroyed in the fire, with the other half rendered unusable, making it a total loss. According to a US State Department fact sheet released Saturday, and with Taiwan’s support, the US will provide US$13 million to assist in rebuilding the legislature.

To enhance connectivity and resilience, the US and Taiwan will provide US$8.3 million to replace the Marshall Islands’ aging airline fleet, improve disaster response capabilities, and strengthen links to outer islands such as Kwajalein Atoll. The State Department said the plan will boost transportation across the Marshall Islands, promoting economic development and humanitarian assistance.

The fact sheet also says the Pentagon will coordinate with the State Department to establish new State Partnership Program pairs between the Marshall Islands and the National Guards of Guam and Nebraska. It also outlines US–Marshall Islands cooperation on security and border protection, infrastructure and public safety investment, and effective implementation of the Compact of Free Association.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday welcomed continued collaboration with the US in the Pacific to foster peace, stability, and prosperity. The ministry said it is actively promoting the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project proposed by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to expand cooperation with friendly countries across multiple fields.