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On the morning of March 24 local time, President Tsai Ing-wen attended a breakfast meeting with Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. and a group of local leaders. President Tsai conveyed her appreciation to the government and people of Palau for their warm hospitality, and declared that the diplomatic friendship between Taiwan and Palau will continue to grow stronger, ushering in a new period of closer bilateral cooperation.
Delivering her remarks in English, the president began by thanking President Remengesau for bringing everyone together. She stated that it was an honor and a pleasure to be with so many Palauan traditional leaders, and that this lovely gathering reflected a true friendship that has continued to deepen over the past few years.
President Tsai point out that this friendship is also reflected in Taiwan and Palau's shared values. As island nations, she said, Taiwan and Palau firmly believe in freedom and democracy, and are both active contributors to the international community. In our increasingly interconnected world, distance need not be an obstacle, and oceans do not separate us, the president emphasized, but rather bind us together.
President Tsai continued by saying that our two countries' commitment to freedom and democracy means connecting more closely with like-minded countries around the world, joining forces to tackle global challenges. At the same time, she added, we must also ensure other countries are aware of our situation, our hopes, and our aspirations. Our voice needs to be heard loud and clear. And that is why friendship is so important in the international arena, because we all benefit from mutual support.
The president also mentioned that, since taking office in 2016, she has witnessed first-hand how Taiwan and Palau's bilateral cooperation has continued to grow, encompassing marine conservation, humanitarian aid, economic cooperation, and public health. Taiwan is proud to work with Palau towards creating a more open and sustainable region, she said, and we look forward to doing more with our brothers and sisters in the Austronesian family.
Reflecting on her two days in Palau, President Tsai expressed how deeply touched she and the delegation were by the warm hospitality of the government and people of Palau. She stated that she was pleased and grateful to see that the Taiwan-Palau relationship continues to grow stronger. She also expressed confidence that together, we can usher in a new period of closer cooperation, and ensure that this region becomes more free, open, and prosperous in the future.
Also in attendance were Former President Thomas Remengesau Sr., Former President Johnson Toribiong, Paramount High Chief Ibedul Yutaka Gibbons, Paramount High Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Queen Bilung Gloria Salii, Palauan Ambassador to Taiwan Dilmei Louisa Olkeriil, Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥), and Ambassador to Palau Wallace M.G. Chow (周民淦).
