President Tsai and President Russ Joseph Kun of Nauru hold bilateral talks
On the morning of October 9, President Tsai Ing-wen met with President Russ Joseph Kun of the Republic of Nauru, accompanied by his wife, for bilateral talks. In remarks, President Tsai welcomed President Kun, who is leading a delegation to participate in our National Day Celebration and who will also attend the Yushan Forum, where he will deliver the opening address. She thanked the government of Nauru for its longstanding support for Taiwan's international participation, and said that Taiwan and Nauru are not only partners sharing a commitment to freedom and democracy, but are also creating even more benefits for our peoples through bilateral cooperation. She expressed hope that cooperation between Taiwan and Nauru grows even closer as part of our enduring friendship.
A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:
I warmly welcome President Kun and his wife back to Taiwan. President Kun visited Taiwan shortly after taking office last year, and during his visit signed a joint communiqué on the reaffirmation of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Nauru, demonstrating his steadfast support for the diplomatic alliance between our countries. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I express my sincerest gratitude.
I would also like to thank the government of Nauru for its longstanding support for Taiwan's international participation. Last month, at the United Nations General Assembly, President Kun recognized Taiwan's achievements in disease prevention and called on the international community for wider recognition of Taiwan's right to participate in the UN system and in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals so as to leave no one behind.
Faced with the various challenges presented by the global landscape, democracies need to unite to realize the values of justice, peace, and sustainable development. This July, for example, Taiwan, Nauru, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu signed a Joint Statement on Combating Climate Change that aims to build a resilient climate change response system.
Taiwan and Nauru are not only partners that share a commitment to freedom and democracy. Through bilateral cooperation, we are also creating even more benefits for our peoples. In recent years, collaboration has continued to expand into such areas as clean energy, food security, public health and medicine, and port administration and coast guard affairs, yielding remarkable results.
During this trip, President Kun is not only leading a delegation to participate in our National Day Celebration, but will also attend the Yushan Forum, where he will deliver the opening address. I believe that, through these continuing dialogues and exchanges, the people of Taiwan will gain a profound sense of our diplomatic allies' goodwill and support.
Looking ahead, I hope cooperation between Taiwan and Nauru grows even closer as part of our enduring friendship. I wish you all a pleasant and successful visit.
A transcript of President Kun's remarks follows:
On behalf of the government of the Republic of Nauru and its people, our warmest salutations and heartfelt wishes for a sustained well-being and prosperity of the government and the citizens of Republic of China (Taiwan). It is with immense honor that Madam and I embark on another visit to your enchanting country, culminating in the celebration of your National Day.
On this momentous occasion of the 112th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), commonly known as Double Tenth Day, I extend on behalf of the people of Nauru, and personally, our most sincere greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Your Excellency President Tsai Ing-wen, and the entire populace of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This celebration, brimming with joy and enthusiasm, is indeed a testament to the strength of our shared bonds.
Madam President, permit me to express gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the invaluable assistance rendered to Nauru across various sectors encompassing infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, [and] airlines and shipping. Taiwan has remained a steadfast partner to the Republic of Nauru, instrumental in our economic progress and sustainable ambitions.
The flourishing partnership and bilateral cooperation between our two nations are rooted in a framework cultivated over years of close partnership, yielding mutual benefits for our people. Our shared values and collective pursuit of peace and security have been pivotal in fostering a robust relationship founded on trust and support. This alliance continues to evolve, gaining depth and breadth in recent years.
I seize this opportunity to applaud the tireless endeavors of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in promoting peace and stability in the region. Nauru regards Taiwan as kin, standing firmly in our support and laboring hand-in-hand to advance democracy, freedom, peace, sustainability, stability, and economic growth in our region.
Your Excellency, I wish to extend my personal gratitude to you, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the people of Taiwan for the meticulous arrangements made for this visit. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the commendable work of our respective diplomatic missions. I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to Ambassador Dean Lin (林鼎翔) and his dedicated team for [their] instrumental role in facilitating this visit. May God bless Taiwan, and may God bless Nauru. Tubwa kor [Thank you].
President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by Vice President Lai Ching-te, then hosted a luncheon for President Kun and his wife.
The delegation also included Nauru Minister of Education Richard-Hyde Menke, Deputy Minister for Land Management Jason Bingham Agir, Substantive Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Dominic Joselito Tabuna, and Members of Parliament Shadlog Armait Bernicke and Charmaine Eraidinomo Scotty. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Nauru Ambassador Jarden Kephas.