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President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed Nauru President Lionel Aingimea and First Lady Aingimea on the morning of December 13 with full military honors. In remarks, the president emphasized that Taiwan and Nauru have continued to deepen our partnership, especially concerning the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have seen brilliant outcomes in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries cooperation, and the development of clean energy. She expressed hope that both sides will further deepen our cooperative bilateral relations and enjoy everlasting friendship.
The welcome ceremony with military honors was held at 10:00 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries' national anthems, President Tsai and President Aingimea reviewed the military honor guard and then delivered remarks.
The following is a translation of President Tsai's remarks:
President and Madame Aingimea, it is a pleasure to welcome you with military honors as you commence your state visit. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend to you our heartfelt greetings.
Nauru is a staunch Pacific ally of Taiwan. President Aingimea, we were most grateful that after taking office in August, you concluded your September trip to the United Nations General Assembly by transiting through Taiwan. This time, you are leading a state visit, demonstrating your firm support for our nations' diplomatic ties.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and Nauru have continued to deepen our partnership amid rapidly changing international and regional conditions. Our cooperation in achieving the UN SDGs has been particularly close. We have seen brilliant outcomes in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries cooperation, and the development of clean energy.
I saw the fruits of our bilateral cooperation for myself when I visited Nauru in March. In addition to discussing how best to deepen our nations' cooperative relations, I hope this state visit presents the opportunity for you and Madame Aingimea to gain a better understanding of Taiwan.
Once again, I would like to welcome President and Madame Aingimea and the honorable members of the delegation to Taiwan. May our countries enjoy everlasting friendship. Thank you!
In his remarks that followed, President Aingimea began by offering greetings from the government and people of the Republic of Nauru. He thanked the Taiwanese government and diplomatic team for the warm hospitality they extended to himself and his delegation. Nauru and Taiwan have a longstanding relationship, and he expressed hope that this visit would bring this relationship even closer.
Taiwan is highly ranked in both global economic and military prowess and is listed as a "super innovator" alongside Germany, the United States, and Switzerland. Nauru will always stand side by side with Taiwan, he said, and this relationship will keep growing stronger in a true partnership that brings mutual benefits and prosperity to both countries.
Among those present at the welcome ceremony were Vice President Chen Chien-jen, Control Yuan President Chang Po-ya (張博雅), Vice Premier Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), Legislative Yuan Vice President Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌), National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Nauruan Ambassador to Taiwan Jarden Kephas, and Nicaraguan Ambassador to Taiwan William Manuel Tapia Alemán (head of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan).
