Mr. Philip Kabua, the new ambassador from the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the Republic of China, on July 16 presented his credentials to President Ma Ying-jeou.
The ceremony took place at 10:00 a.m. at the Presidential Building. Ambassador Kabua was escorted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Acting Chief of Protocol Miguel L. J. Tsao in presenting his credentials to the president. Secretary-General to the President Chan Chuen-po and Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou also witnessed the stately ceremony.
After Ambassador Kabua presented his credentials, President Ma expressed a warm welcome on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China to the ambassador on assuming his new post in Taiwan. The president said the ROC and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have had diplomatic relations for 10 years. During this period, the two nations have maintained frequent contact. In addition to close interaction among central government-level officials, high-ranking officials from each country make frequent visits to the other. President Ma said that when he was Taipei mayor, Taipei and the Marshall Islands’ capital Majuro entered into a sister city agreement. At the time, he specially asked the Taipei deputy mayor to visit the Marshall Islands on his behalf. The sister city relationship has been a close and friendly one, he said.
President Ma reiterated his deep appreciation for Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing leading a delegation to attend the presidential inauguration ceremonies on May 20. President Ma added that recently Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng attended national day ceremonies in the Marshall Islands. The president said that Ambassador Kabua's presentation of credentials further symbolizes that the relationship between the ROC and the Republic of the Marshall Islands is entering a new stage.
President Ma said he hopes that after Ambassador Kabua assumes his post, he will engage in frequent contact with related agencies and work to boost cooperation. This will enable the relationship between the two countries to continue to move forward from the existing friendly foundation.