President Chen Shui-bian on August 13 met with Palau Vice President Elias Camsek Chin, Marshall Islands First Lady Mary N. Note and Tuvalu Parliament Speaker Kamuta Latasi. The guests are presently in Taiwan to attend the General Assembly of the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU). President Chen expressed a warm welcome and gratitude to the visitors on behalf of the government and 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan).
President Chen said Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu are all good friends of Taiwan and that Taiwan cherishes the diplomatic alliances maintained with each of the countries. He said he believes the participation of the guests in the DPU General Assembly signifies the importance that these countries place on the DPU and their relations with Taiwan. He pointed out that this is the second time Vice President Camsek Chin and Parliament Speaker Latasi have attended the DPU's General Assembly, the first time being in August 2005. Marshall Islands President Kessai Note and his wife visited Taiwan in June this year. First Lady Note is representing her nation at this year's DPU General Assembly, signifying the strong alliance between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands.
President Chen said the First Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit was held in Palau in September 2006, with Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. and the Palau government having successfully hosted the gathering. President Chen said he was impressed by the high efficiency displayed by the Palau government. Furthermore, efforts have been made over the past year to implement the Palau Declaration. While progress has been made, there are still some areas in which improvements are needed. President Chen said he is looking forward to the Second Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit to be held in October in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro, in which he will have the opportunity to meet with the heads of state of Pacific island nations and expects summit participants to examine and strengthen the content of the declaration. He said as the time approaches, the government of the Marshall Islands will provide assistance to ensure the successful staging of the summit.
President Chen stressed that Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu are all loyal allies of Taiwan, and that all have spared no effort in supporting Taiwan's efforts to participate in the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health and the United Nations, as well as speaking on behalf of Taiwan. Lastly, the president asked the guests to pass along his regards to Palau President Remengesau, Marshall Islands President Note and Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia. He also wished the DPU a successful general assembly.