Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Tsai Ing-wen received the credentials of Neijon Rema Edwards, the new Republic of the Marshall Islands Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Taiwan, on the morning of February 15 at the Presidential Office Building. The president welcomed Ambassador Edwards to her new post and expressed her hope to jointly write a new chapter in the history of our bilateral cooperation.

In remarks, President Tsai said that it was especially pleasing to meet again with her old friend Ambassador Edwards, and that she was happy to hear about Edwards' appointment. Just last November, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The fact that Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine has chosen to appoint Ambassador Edwards at this time to this key post shows the great importance that the Marshall Islands attaches to its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have continually strengthened their cooperative ties over the past two-plus years by holding reciprocal state visits and engaging in close exchanges in a wide variety of fields. When President Heine visited Taiwan last July, for example, the two countries signed bilateral agreements on mutual visa waivers and coast guard cooperation, which will facilitate further development of bilateral exchanges.

President Tsai emphasized that the world has taken note of Taiwan's efforts over the past two-plus years to achieve national development and contribute to regional security and stability, and Taiwan has increasingly won the affirmation and support of the international community. Taiwan's New Year's banner, "Brave and Confident – One with the World," reflects the Taiwanese people's shared hope to engage with the world.

The president mentioned that she has interacted frequently with President Heine over the past two-plus years, and she thanked President Heine for concretely supporting Taiwan's engagement with the international community. She expressed her belief that President Heine surely feels the confidence and determination of the Taiwanese people to take part in international affairs. President Tsai noted that climate change, a top concern of people in the Marshall Islands, is just one of many areas Taiwan is willing to cooperate closely with the Marshall Islands on in a joint effort to achieve sustainable development.

In closing, President Tsai again welcomed and congratulated Ambassador Edwards, and wished her success in her new post, stating: "Together we can write a new chapter in the history of our bilateral cooperation."