Praising Speaker Mesebeluu as "Palau's most successful education mentor and statesman," the president extended his warmest welcome to the guests.
Recalling his previous visit to the Republic of Palau, the president regarded "ocean culture" and "democracy" as the two most important pillars that have sustained the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau. "Taiwan and Palau are both ocean countries and our citizens are thus sons of the oceans; vitality, liberty, ardor, and spirit of adventure have bound us closely to each other," said the president.
Democracy is another supreme value the two countries share with each other. In recalling the eight referendums Palau had undergone that finally led to independence, the president said, "The 23 million citizens on the island are the ones who have the ultimate right, through referendum, to decide Taiwan's future."
"From dictatorship to democracy, Taiwan has traveled a long distance, and will nonetheless persist in walking on the road of freedom and democracy," the president reassured.
The president thanked the Honorable Mesebeluu and his House of Delegates for supporting Taiwan's bid to participate in international governmental and non-governmental organizations. The president also shared his joy with the guests that, having replaced Japan, Taiwan has been the largest source country in Palau's tourism industry for three consecutive years. "Again, we are all sons of the oceans, and share the same characteristics of the Austronesian culture," the president told the guests.
To conclude the meeting, the president wished the guests an unforgettable visit and looked forward to seeing each other again soon in the Republic of Palau.