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On the afternoon of May 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu and his wife. Thanking Tuvalu for its support for Taiwan’s international participation, President Lai noted that Taiwan has worked bilaterally and multilaterally to set up a climate transition fund and to promote coastal adaptation, joining Tuvalu in facing the challenges of climate change. President Lai further expressed hope that Taiwan and Tuvalu can continue to comprehensively strengthen exchanges and cooperation, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, enhance the welfare of our peoples, and further contribute to the international community.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
On his first trip abroad since his inauguration, Prime Minister Teo has come to Taiwan, demonstrating through his actions the importance he places on, and his support for, Taiwan. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude for your visit.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In recent years, our cooperation in areas including healthcare, agriculture, education, and culture has yielded impressive results. Moreover, Tuvalu has actively voiced support for Taiwan at international venues. I thank the government and people of Tuvalu for supporting Taiwan’s international participation.
After his inauguration, Prime Minister Teo announced 21 policy priorities to address rising sea levels and other key issues. Through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, Taiwan has also set up a climate transition fund and worked to promote the coastal adaptation project, joining Tuvalu in facing the challenges posed by climate change.
Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to comprehensively strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation with Tuvalu to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. I am confident that through our joint efforts, our countries can advance the development of our bilateral economic and trade ties, thereby enhancing the welfare of our peoples. I ask Tuvalu to continue supporting Taiwan’s international participation, so that our countries can further contribute to the international community.
In his own remarks, Prime Minister Teo expressed his pleasure at witnessing President Lai’s inauguration, and conveyed his congratulations as well as his best wishes to President Lai on his term ahead. As President Lai pointed out, Prime Minister Teo said, this was his first overseas trip since his inauguration, and that it reflected the commitment his administration and people have to Tuvalu’s friendship with Taiwan.
Referring to the 21 policy priorities he announced upon taking office, Prime Minister Teo pointed out that one of these priorities is to strengthen and advance Tuvalu’s relationship with Taiwan, a relationship that has lasted 45 years. The prime minister expressed his hope that our governments can continue to enhance and elevate our relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries. Prime Minister Teo also extended an invitation to President Lai to visit Tuvalu, saying that the government and people of Tuvalu look forward to that opportunity.
The delegation members in attendance include Tuvaluan Members of Parliament Mackenzie Kiritome and Timi Melei.
