Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of July 14, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Otinielu Tauteleimalae Tausi, Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu. In addition to thanking Tuvalu for speaking out in support of Taiwan in international venues, the president also stressed that Taiwan will continue to act on the principles of "steadfast diplomacy and mutual assistance for mutual benefits" to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

In remarks, President Tsai noted that Mr. Tausi, who was visiting Taiwan for the fourth time, is a distinguished veteran statesman who will soon assume the chairmanship of Tuvalu's Constitutional Review Committee. He will certainly make more contributions to the future development of Tuvalu, said the president.

President Tsai pointed out that diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Tuvalu date back more than 38 years, with close bilateral ties. Since her inauguration on May 20, 2016, said the president, in addition to the delegation currently headed by Mr. Tausi, Tuvalu Deputy Prime Minister Maatia Toafa and Mrs. Toafa have visited Taiwan, and Ms. Limasene Teatu also arrived here to take up her responsibilities as the new Tuvalu ambassador to the ROC. Frequent interactions such as these demonstrate the firm friendship that exists between the two countries.

President Tsai stated that Tuvalu is a staunch partner that has given Taiwan full support in international venues. When Taiwan received unfair treatment at the World Health Assembly in May 2017, for example, Tuvalu introduced a motion supporting Taiwan's participation. President Tsai conveyed her sincere gratitude to the government of Tuvalu for its long-standing support for Taiwan's international participation, and providing solid backing.

President Tsai stated that Taiwan and Tuvalu have a shared goal of "supporting each other and engaging with the world." Both countries are island nations that face global warming and other challenges, and for this reason the president expressed hope that Tuvalu will continue to support Taiwan's effort to join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change so that the two countries can work together to contribute more to the cause of sustainable development throughout the world.

Commenting on Taiwan-Tuvalu cooperation, President Tsai pointed out that the two sides have achieved considerable success in such fields as agriculture, human resources, clean energy, medicine, and culture. In the future, she added, Taiwan will continue to act on the principles of "steadfast diplomacy and mutual assistance for mutual benefits" to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation, working together to spur greater development.