President Tsai meets Nauru President Baron Divavesi Waqa
On the morning of May 21, President Tsai Ing-wen met with President Baron Divavesi Waqa of the Republic of Nauru. During the meeting, President Tsai reiterated Taiwan's commitment to the principle of "steadfast diplomacy," which she said is a good way to create win-win situations for both sides. She thanked the Nauru Parliament for passing a resolution supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations (UN) system, and expressed hope that President Waqa will continue speaking out in support of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote cooperation in global disease prevention.
President Tsai began her remarks by extending a sincere welcome on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan. She noted that when Nauru marked the 50th anniversary of its independence this past January, she dispatched Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples Icyang Parod (夷將．拔路兒) as her special envoy to lead a delegation and take part in the celebrations. A performing arts troupe that accompanied the delegation was very well received in Nauru, and President Tsai thanked Nauru for showing appreciation for Taiwan's culture.
President Tsai stated that Taiwan and Nauru cooperate closely in many different fields, and have many achievements. President Waqa has often mentioned how much Taiwan's cooperation with Nauru has contributed to his country's development.
President Tsai then reiterated Taiwan's commitment to the principle of "steadfast diplomacy." She also said that getting together with good friends to discuss plans and cooperative projects is a good way to create win-win situations for both sides, and hopes this kind of relationship will continue to blossom.
Noting that Nauru has often spoken out on Taiwan's behalf in international venues, President Tsai said that Nauru is Taiwan's ally in its quest to participate in international organizations, and just this past March the Nauru Parliament passed a resolution supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in the UN system. Because the World Health Assembly is in progress right now, she also expressed hope that Nauru will support Taiwan even more.
President Tsai said that health is a human right, and Taiwan's achievements in the medical field are common knowledge. She also asked President Waqa to continue to take a stand and speak out on Taiwan's behalf. Our country's participation in WHO affairs, she said, means more than just making sure that no one is left out of the global disease prevention system. It's also an important indicator of cooperation and exchanges to prevent global disease outbreak. On behalf of Taiwan, she then thanked Nauru for its support.
In conclusion, President Tsai again welcomed President Waqa and his delegation to Taiwan, wished President Waqa the best of health, and said she hopes that Taiwan and Nauru will enjoy an enduring alliance.
President Waqa then delivered remarks of his own. He thanked Taiwan for sending an envoy to attend the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Nauru's independence, and said his country was grateful for the many years of assistance that Taiwan's government has given Nauru. He emphasized that relations between Taiwan and Nauru are stable, and that Nauru will continue to support Taiwan and speak out on Taiwan's behalf in the international community.
The delegation also included Nauru Ambassador to the ROC Chitra Jeremiah.