President Ma Ying-jeou met on the morning of February 18 at the Presidential Office with Tuvalu Prime Mini ster and Foreign Minister Apisai Ielemia and Mrs. Ielemia. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a cordial welcome and expressed his deep gratitude to the guests.
President Ma noted that Prime Minister Ielemia attended the inauguration ceremonies for the president and Vice President Vincent C. Siew last year. The president said he was deeply touched that Prime Minister Ielemia came to Taiwan then and is now on another visit here. Prime Minister Ielemia's main mission on this visit is to lead a delegation of finance and economic officials from his country to discuss economic cooperation topics with their counterparts here.
Tuvalu established diplomatic relations with the ROC (Taiwan) in 1978, two years after its independence. Ties between the two countries over the past 30 years have been unwavering. In addition, Tuvalu has spoken on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) at many international events. Tuvalu is a staunch ally and friend of the ROC, the president said.
President Ma also noted that as an island nation, Tuvalu is especially sensitive to global climate change. On this visit to Taiwan, Prime Minister Ielemia will deliver an address at Taipei Municipal Pingdeng Elementary School, where he will explain the impact of climate change on mankind. The president said that this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this issue. Sea levels are rising as the result of climate change and an increase in greenhouse gases. This situation is having an enormous impact on the living environment for the people of Tuvalu, the president said.
With regards to the development of bilateral ties between the two countries, President Ma said that since his inauguration in May of last year, his administration has adopted a policy of "flexible diplomacy." It has ended the contentious situation that had seen mainland China and Taiwan trying to woo each other's diplomatic allies. The president said that in addition to maintaining existing cooperative projects with its diplomatic allies, the ROC (Taiwan) will explore the possibility of extending various projects upon a thorough review. He noted that relations between the two countries have been extremely friendly throughout the years, and expressed his hope that the two countries will be able to continue to strengthen contacts and cooperation, thereby solidifying the alliance.
Prime Minister Ielemia expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him, as well as for the warm reception he has received from the government here. He said that the two countries share a deep and stable friendship, adding that long-term cooperation is ongoing in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, education, medicine and health. Prime Minister Ielemia expressed his hopes for these relations to continue. He added that Tuvalu will continue to support Taiwan's participation in international and regional organizations and activities, enabling the people of Taiwan to achieve greater visibility in the international community.