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On the afternoon of November 6, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Speaker of the Nitijela (parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Brenson Wase and his wife. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Nitijela for its longstanding support of Taiwan’s international participation, and stated that over the 28 years since Taiwan and the Marshall Islands established diplomatic relations, the two countries have enjoyed a partnership of mutual trust and support, continuing to bolster cooperation across a variety of fields. The president expressed hope that moving forward, both sides will integrate the strengths of the public and private sectors to expand potential cooperation, as well as deepen exchanges and mutual support through parliamentary diplomacy, forging even more steadfast diplomatic ties.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I warmly welcome Speaker Wase, Mrs. Antonia Wase, and all our guests to Taiwan. Speaker Wase last led a delegation to Taiwan in July 2024. That December, I traveled to the Marshall Islands. During my stay, I had the great honor of addressing the Nitijela at the invitation of Speaker Wase and exchanging views with him and members of parliament on issues of mutual interest. I would like to extend special thanks to Speaker Wase and the Nitijela for their longstanding, staunch support of Taiwan’s international participation. Through numerous resolutions and other concrete actions, they have helped make Taiwan’s diligent efforts and contributions visible to the international community.
Since our two countries established diplomatic relations 28 years ago, we have enjoyed a partnership of mutual trust and support. We are linked by rich Austronesian cultural roots and cherish such universal values as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. In recent years, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have jointly faced a variety of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. We have continued to bolster cooperation in such areas as agriculture, public health, medical care, women’s empowerment, and climate change adaptation, enhancing the well-being of both our peoples.
In particular, since the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands officially came into effect in January last year, bilateral cooperation has entered a new phase. This past April, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands. And last month, our countries held the inaugural joint ministerial committee meeting under the ECA, continuing to promote economic, trade, and industrial exchanges. Moving forward, Taiwan hopes to continue integrating the strengths of the public and private sectors to expand potential cooperation in such domains as smart agriculture and aviation connectivity, thereby furthering our bilateral partnership and promoting sustainable development for us both.
Amid a rapidly shifting global landscape, Taiwan will work hand in hand with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We hope that the legislatures of both our nations will continue to deepen exchanges and leverage the power of parliamentary diplomacy to enhance mutual understanding and support, forging ever-more steadfast and enduring diplomatic ties.
In closing, I again welcome the delegation led by Speaker Wase and Mrs. Wase. I look forward to our nations working together to create even more cooperative opportunities for mutual benefits and prosperity.
Speaker Wase then delivered remarks, first expressing his appreciation to President Lai and the government of Taiwan for the generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He stated that November 20 will mark the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan, a partnership firmly rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and common Austronesian heritage. Speaker Wase indicated that this marks his second official visit to Taiwan as speaker of the Nitijela, which is a testament to his enduring commitment to strengthening the bonds between the two countries. During his visit, he said, he looks forward to engaging with President Lai and representatives of the government to expand practical cooperation that will deliver meaningful benefits for our peoples.
Over nearly three decades, Speaker Wase continued, the partnership between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan has made remarkable progress, with significant milestones achieved together. Through Taiwan’s support and collaboration, he said, they have embarked on numerous projects, from vocational training programs that empower young people and healthcare training that improves citizens’ well-being, to livestock development projects that strengthen food security. These and many others have helped improve the quality of life for Marshallese people, he said.
Speaker Wase went on to say that on August 26, 2025, a devastating fire destroyed the Nitijela, consuming the parliamentary chamber, offices, library, and irreplaceable archives. He noted that Taiwan was the first to respond and provide vital assistance toward rebuilding their parliament, and that this generosity is a powerful expression of Taiwan’s friendship with the Marshallese people which they will never forget. He then extended appreciation on behalf of the Nitijela to President Lai and the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their steadfast support and assistance.
Speaker Wase stated that though the Marshall Islands is small in size and population, they hold their enduring partnership with Taiwan in the highest regard. He added that his nation remains steadfast in its advocacy for Taiwan’s meaningful, robust participation across the United Nations system and the broader international arena, emphasizing that excluding a willing and highly capable global partner like Taiwan diminishes collective progress. Therefore, Speaker Wase stated, the Marshall Islands will continue to champion Taiwan’s rightful inclusion in multilateral forums, where its expertise in public health, technological innovation, and climate resilience can benefit the global community. In closing, he said that the Marshall Islands stands with Taiwan as a partner, a friend, and a steadfast supporter.
The delegation also included Chairman of the Nitijela Standing Committee on Nuclear, Environment and Climate Change David Anitok. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil.
