Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Tsai Ing-wen hosted a dinner banquet on the evening of September 28 at her official residence for President Lionel Aingimea of the Republic of Nauru, one of Taiwan’s Pacific allies. She warmly welcomed President Aingimea, who was making his first transit stop in Taiwan since taking office while on his way home from the United Nations General Assembly.

President Tsai first congratulated President Aingimea on his election as the 15th-term President of Nauru. She then praised Nauru for conducting a democratic election, demonstrating that Taiwan and Nauru are allies dedicated to democratic values. President Tsai thanked President Aingimea for issuing a public statement supporting Taiwan, speaking up at the United Nations on Taiwan's behalf, and making a specially arranged transit stop here after attending the UN General Assembly to affirm friendly diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

President Tsai also recalled the warm welcome and hospitality she received from the government and people of Nauru during her visit this past March, and expressed gratitude for the resolution supporting Taiwan that was passed by the Nauru Parliament.

President Aingimea thanked President Tsai for taking time from her busy schedule to receive him so graciously. He said that Nauru and Taiwan are like family, and that in times of trouble, family should come together to offer mutual support and encouragement, so he wanted to personally visit to express that familial support for Taiwan. President Aingimea then said he looks forward to continued cooperation between Nauru and Taiwan so that together, we can respond to the various challenges that the world is facing. President Tsai also extended a formal invitation to President Aingimea to make an official state visit to Taiwan later this year to further strengthen our bilateral friendship.

Attendees included National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維) and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮).