President Lai hosts appreciation luncheon in Palau
On the afternoon of December 6 local time (noon the same day Taipei time), while on a series of state visits to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau, President Lai Ching-te hosted an appreciation luncheon to thank the government and people of Palau for their assistance to the delegation and their steadfast support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan and Palau share the values of democracy and freedom, and both witnessed the achievements of our bilateral cooperation during this visit. The president also said he looks forward to both countries continuing to expand our scope of cooperation to stimulate economic development, increase mutual prosperity, and jointly contribute even more to the international community.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
We have had a full and rewarding schedule over the last two days. I want to thank President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and the various Palauan government agencies for their assistance in making everything run smoothly. To thank everyone, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is specially holding this presidential appreciation luncheon. Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation. My visit this time follows Palau’s presidential and congressional elections earlier this year. In addition to giving me the opportunity to congratulate President Whipps once again on his re-election, this trip has reinforced my conviction that democracy and freedom are important links that bind the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Palau together.
Through Palau’s 30 years of independence, its people have overcome every challenge they have faced. I deeply admire how you have built a beautiful, sustainable country that is democratic, free, and respects traditional values. For Taiwan too, the path to democracy and freedom was strewn with thorns and full of hardship. Without our democratic forebearers making sacrifice upon sacrifice, the democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Taiwan of today would not exist.
Taiwan and Palau share the values of democracy and freedom, and we treasure our mutual friendship. I would like to thank President Whipps and the government and National Congress of Palau for actively speaking up in support of Taiwan’s international participation over the years at various international venues. Despite steadily increasing geopolitical pressure, Palau has upheld democracy with wisdom and courage, and steadfastly supported Taiwan. We deeply admire and take great heart from this. I hope that we will continue to work side by side, so that Taiwan and Palau can jointly contribute even more to the international community.
During this two-day visit, President Whipps and I have also witnessed the achievements of our bilateral cooperation. I anticipate that Taiwan and Palau will further expand our scope of cooperation and take advantage of opportunities arising from post-pandemic recovery. This includes promoting tourism, a priority for President Whipps, which will stimulate economic development and increase prosperity in both countries.
Once again, I thank President Whipps and all our good friends in Palau for their support. I want to wish everyone good health and happiness, and may our bilateral relations reach new heights. I would also like to invite President Whipps and First Lady Valerie Whipps, the speakers from both houses and members of the National Congress, the queens of the north and south, and traditional leaders to visit Taiwan.
In his remarks, President Whipps stated that earlier that day, he and President Lai attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration of the One Stop Shop Building, which will consolidate several of Palau’s government departments. That building, he said, demonstrates a close bilateral relationship and reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of life of the people and promoting efficient and sustainable development. He then thanked Taiwan for its support in many areas. President Whipps said that he and President Lai also witnessed the Taiwan offshore patrol vessel Yunlin conduct a joint drill, further enhancing bilateral cooperation in maritime security and border protection.
President Whipps also said that living in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, it is of utmost importance that like-minded countries work together to promote freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Taiwan is a true friend, he said, and President Lai’s visit not only strengthens our bilateral partnership, but also creates a brighter future of continued progress, prosperity, and peace for each other.
Also in attendance at the luncheon were First Lady Whipps, House of Delegates Speaker Sabino Anastacio, Senator Rukebai Inabo, members of the Senate and House of Delegates, traditional leaders, and heads of various ministries.