Upon arriving at Palau International Airport on September 3, President Chen Shui-bian was welcomed by Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. and his cabinet members.
After a short break, President Chen started his three-day mission by visiting President Remengesau and the delegations from other South-Pacific allies of Taiwan.
President Remengesau especially praised President Chen as Palau's best tourism spokesman since pictures of President Chen diving in waters off Palau appeared in Taiwan's major news media, which helped attract more and more Taiwan tourists to Palau and contributed significantly to Palau's economy. President Chen said the Palau Royal Resort Hotel, that took only 16 months to complete, was a good example of Taiwan's aid to the development of Palau.
When meeting with President Note of Marshall Islands, President Chen expressed his appreciation for Marshall Islands' voicing for Taiwan in the World Health Assembly last May.
As to Tuvalu, President Chen promised Prime Minister Ielemia to do his best to help Tuvalu solve its urgent problems.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Sogavare of Solomon Islands, President Chen said he agreed with the prime minister's viewpoints that sustanable development is of great importance to island countries and Taiwan is willing to share its experience with Solomon Islands.
In the evening, President Chen attended the state banquet hosted by the Palau president and delivered a speech, which follows:
It is a delight and an honor to have this opportunity to visit Palau again at the invitation of Your Excellency President Remengesau, and to attend this dinner banquet with the heads of state of Taiwan's Pacific allies. On behalf of the delegation from the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to express my utmost appreciation to President Remengesau and my best regards to the heads of state and other distinguished guests present this evening.
During my first trip to Palau one and a half years ago, I observed the rapid development of the nation's infrastructure, I saw a peaceful and prosperous society, and I witnessed efforts being made to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. Taking place under the wise leadership of President Remengesau, these achievements are truly worthy of praise.
I was also deeply impressed, during that first visit, by the scenic beauty of your great country, and by the hospitality and friendliness of your people. Especially rewarding was my very first experience of scuba diving, during which I was blessed to see the marvelous spectacle of oceanic life. President Remengesau honored me by taking me, on a boat he piloted himself, to experience the beauty of the Pacific islands. Having such wonderful memories from that trip, it is indeed a great delight to return here once more. I have great expectations for the coming two days--both at the summit and at the fishing contest to follow.
Being held here in Palau, the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit is the first multilateral summit to be attended by Taiwan and its Pacific island allies. It is of profound significance for all seven nations.
Taiwan and its Pacific allies are oceanic countries that share common origins. Taiwan's own experiences in development have taught us that, when faced with limited natural resources and a finite land area, the only way to create infinite possibilities is to count on the exceptionality of the people and to work hard.
Taiwan has a strong desire to share its development experience, particularly the intangible knowledge and skills gained along the way, with each of its allies. Everything material will eventually pass away; it is better, therefore, to teach a person how to fish than merely to give him or her a fish. We want to establish a mechanism for long-term cooperation and close interaction with our allies. We also desire to map out a practical, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive development scheme to promote growth and prosperity for all. These goals make up the heart of this Summit.
Over the years, the people and governments of Taiwan's Pacific allies have, in the spirit of justice, voiced their support in the international arena of Taiwan. You have been Taiwan's most steadfast supporters and dearest friends, for which my people and government want to share with you our heartfelt gratitude. I once again emphasize that Taiwan will continue to work together with our Pacific allies, based on parity and reciprocity, to further our mutual development and enhance our international standing.
In closing, on behalf of the members of this delegation, I would like to thank Your Excellency President Remengesau and the Palauan people for your hospitality. I would also like to express my respect for and gratitude to all participating presidents, prime ministers, and other distinguished guests, who have come from afar to attend this historic summit.