President Chen Shui-bian on April 24 met with Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Tavau Teii. On behalf of the people and government of the ROC (Taiwan), President Chen extended a warm welcome and appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Teii and his wife for making the long journey to Taiwan.
President Chen said that Tuvalu has been one of Taiwan's most loyal allies. He noted that the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for 28 years, making Tuvalu Taiwan's earliest and longest diplomatic ally in the Pacific.
The president added that he cherishes the friendship and cooperative relationship between the two countries. As a result, on May 4, 2005 he overcame a number of obstacles to lead a delegation to Tuvalu, making him the first ROC president to visit Tuvalu since the establishment of diplomatic ties. During his trip there, he visited the building housing the central government and Tuvalu's only hotel, both of which were built with assistance from Taiwan. During his stay in Tuvalu, he was notified that Tuvalu's miners and their family were in Nauru and had no way to return to Tuvalu. President Chen said that assistance was provided to help the miners and their family return home safely. The president also said he is pleased at the success of the Taiwan medical mission that was sent to Tuvalu to provide free clinics, as well as the scholarship program for young students.
President Chen said that Deputy Prime Minister Teii has a high level of expertise in agricultural systems management, and that he has made contributions to Tuvalu in the areas of farming, fisheries and environmental protection. He added that the Taiwan Technical Mission stationed in Tuvalu has helped Tuvalu grow over 20 types of fruits and vegetables. It also operates a successful demonstration farm. The efforts of the technical mission have helped the people of Tuvalu maintain family gardens and become more self-sufficient. This is the goal of providing assistance to allied and friendly nations, he said.
President Chen also pledged that Taiwan will provide Tuvalu assistance in milkfish farming, that Yang Ming Marine will employ laborers from Tuvalu on its vessels and that it will help build fishing vessels for Tuvalu fishermen. He added that Taiwan will provide kidney dialysis equipment to Tuvalu and help train local medical technicians. The ROC (Taiwan) will provide the assistance needed to improve the quality of life for and the health of the people of Tuvalu, he said.
The president once again expressed his appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to the Tuvalu government and its people for their staunch support of Taiwan. He said that Tuvalu has continued to provide unwavering support to Taiwan in its efforts to participate in the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
President Chen asked Deputy Prime Minister Teii to pass along his best regards to Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia. He added that he was delighted that Prime Minister Ielemia attended the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit last September and that he had the pleasure of holding talks with Prime Minister Ielemia again in December. The president said he hopes to have the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Ielemia again at the Second Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit.
Deputy Prime Minister Teii expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan for providing a wide range of assistance to Tuvalu, which he said has improved the lives of his nation's people. He reiterated that the bilateral cooperative relationship between the two nations is based on the willingness of the people and governments of the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister Teii added that the Tuvalu government will continue to provide the strongest support to Taiwan in its efforts to obtain recognition in the international community.