Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of June 9 local time (noon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao visited Belau National Hospital and Belau National Museum in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that public health is a very important job and life-and-death matter, and it is also an important area and a priority for President Lai Ching-te. She affirmed the achievements of the long-term medical cooperation between Taiwan and Palau, and thanked Taiwan's medical teams for their continuous dedication to medical services in Palau. The vice president noted that the two sides have engaged in close exchanges and cooperation in areas such as public health, culture, education, and infrastructure, demonstrating a mutual commitment to advancing people's well-being and deepening the Taiwan-Palau partnership.The vice president first arrived at Belau National Hospital, where she received a briefing from Shin Kong Hospital on its medical programs. In her subsequent remarks , she thanked Palauan Vice President Raynold Oilouch for his hospitality. Noting that Vice President Oilouch also serves as health minister, she acknowledged his added responsibility of taking care of the public health of the people of Palau, describing it as a very important job and life-and-death matter. She expressed that Taiwan is honored to have the opportunity to partner with and contribute to the health and well-being of the people of Palau.Vice President Hsiao expressed that the government is especially thankful to the professionals from Taiwanese hospitals and the private doctors who come to Palau every few months to contribute their medical expertise. She noted that Shin Kong Hospital, a very good private hospital in Taiwan, has taken the lead in partnering with Palau, adding that there are also other hospitals and medical professionals from Taiwan working with Palau in various ways.Vice President Hsiao pointed out that during this trip, she has witnessed many areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, agriculture, aquaculture, culture, and education. She said that she is thankful for the opportunity to see firsthand our cooperation in public health. She highlighted that Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀), who was present, is a doctor by profession and serves not only as Taiwan's Palau expert, but also as a health expert for Taiwan. The vice president also noted that Deputy Minister Lin was her colleague in Taiwan's legislature many years ago, and said that she has been very helpful in Taiwan-Palau exchanges and cooperation on finding the best pathway to support the broader bilateral relationship. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also always providing support, she said, offering assistance with all Palau-related affairs beyond just public health.Vice President Hsiao emphasized that public health is indeed an important area and a priority for President Lai's administration. As the first medical doctor-turned-president in Taiwan's history, President Lai has placed great emphasis on public health since taking office. This is part of his professional expertise, she said, noting that he also chairs the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee.Recalling the time when President Lai served as vice president, Vice President Hsiao mentioned that during his visits to countries such as Paraguay and Honduras, he always focused on public health projects, demonstrating that this is an administrative priority for him. In closing, Vice President Hsiao thanked Palau for this partnership, which gives Taiwan an opportunity to contribute as a force for good in the world and demonstrate our eagerness to contribute to public health and global health.Following the hospital visit, the vice president and her delegation proceeded to Belau National Museum. Guided by Museum Director Olympia E. Morei-Remengesau, they toured a bai (men's meeting house), an exhibition on the monumental earthworks of Babeldaob, a special exhibition on Taiwan's indigenous peoples, and history galleries featuring artifacts from the Spanish, German, and Japanese colonial periods, as well as the United States trust territory era.Vice President Hsiao also signed the guestbook at the special exhibition on Taiwan's indigenous peoples, writing“Proud to share Austronesian cultures between Taiwan & Palauin” in English, and in Chinese, expressing hope for everlasting friendship and mutual prosperity and development between the two nations.Also in attendance at the activities were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau.

On the afternoon of June 8 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), during her visit to the Republic of Palau, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Taiwan-funded road project in Ngchesar State. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that improved roadways will assist in stimulating economic growth and bolstering connectivity among states. She noted that together, Taiwan and Palau also hope to complete a major interstate road network on Babeldaob by 2028, building a brighter and more balanced future for Palauans.A transcript of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks follows:I’m delighted to join you for today’s meaningful ribbon-cutting ceremony. A well-developed road system helps to bridge the gap between urban and rural development, improving the lives of local people. I’m confident that this interstate road project will further connectivity and prosperity across Palau.In fact, balanced development is not only a priority in our partnership with Palau – it is also President Lai [Ching-te]’s priority inside Taiwan. We want to ensure that our citizens living across our island, in different parts of the country, and in different occupations can grow and develop and enjoy the prosperity of our economy together. So balanced growth is an important priority.Of course, Taiwan and Palau enjoy longstanding diplomatic ties based on shared values. And over the years, we have collaborated on many important initiatives benefiting both our countries and peoples. Taiwan continues to attach great importance to this bilateral partnership and is pleased to support Palau’s infrastructure development through annual assistance programs. To date, roads constructed with contributions from Taiwan account for approximately – I’m told – 68 percent of Palau’s existing transportation networks on land. This remarkable figure is a concrete testament to the unwavering trust, friendship, and cooperation between our two peoples.Looking ahead, Taiwan is committed to supporting Palau’s development across all sectors and backing the visionary goals of President [Surangel S.] Whipps, [ Jr.]. Together, we hope to complete the major interstate road network on Babeldaob by 2028. Improved roadways will assist in stimulating economic growth and bolstering connectivity among states, building a brighter and more balanced future for Palauans. Through joint efforts, I’m confident that Taiwan-Palau relations will steadily grow and flourish, and that the friendship between our countries and our peoples will remain rock-solid.And in closing, I’d like to thank you again for joining us, and I wish everyone the best of health, happiness, and success – and of course, smooth cruising along this road. Thank you. Mesulang!Following her remarks, Vice President Hsiao and President Whipps proceeded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the new road, marking the smooth and successful completion of its construction and a new chapter for transportation development in Palau.Also in attendance at the ceremony were Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Paramount High Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Governor of Ngchesar State Jackson Doktok, Ngchesar State Delegate Rebecca Sebalt-Ngirmechaet, Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau, and Ambassador of Japan to Palau Kasahara Kenichi.

On the evening of June 7 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended a welcome banquet hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao thanked the government and people of Palau for always standing with Taiwan. The vice president mentioned that President Lai tasked her with three assignments for this trip: deepening the friendship between the two peoples, encouraging more Taiwanese tourists to consider Palau as their next destination, and visiting the important projects demonstrating the solid cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. She noted that Taiwan and Palau have shared values in the commitment to preserving the natural environment and in the democracy and freedom that define our ways of life. She then expressed hope that the friendship will continue to develop and stand the test of time, and that Taiwan-Palau bonds will continue to build stronger together.A transcript of Vice President Hsiao's remarks follows:I bring warm greetings from President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan. And it is a true honor to have been assigned the task of coming to Palau to deepen the ties between our peoples. Actually, President Lai gave me three assignments for this trip.The first is deepening the friendship between our two peoples. And this is my second day here, and I truly appreciate that President Whipps showed me a spectacular visit here. And what can be more bonding than swimming together among sharks? And of course, the world-class scenery.The second assignment is to encourage more Taiwanese tourists to consider Palau as their next destination. Among all of our important diplomatic friends and partners, Palau is the only one that is accessible directly by a comfortable and short commercial flight. We believe the spectacular beauty that Palau offers will continue to attract more Taiwanese visitors. We also believe that sustainable tourism, which Palau is working hard to promote, is a very important attraction that will continue to be that platform introducing the beauty, the culture, but also the people of Palau to the world, including to the many Taiwanese people.The third assignment is to visit the important projects demonstrating the solid cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. I look forward to the next few days in visiting some of the infrastructure projects, the projects representing expert cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and of course, public health. But today, I was also honored to have been escorted by President Whipps to visit the island of Peleliu, which also has a very rich history – a history that reminds us how important peace is to the world.And of course, in the coming days, the visit today to the islands and to the ocean reminds us why five days is still too short. But I have a very packed program in the next few days, visiting these projects demonstrating the very close ties between our people. But I think it is important to share with all of you that the oceans between us, the Pacific Ocean, does not separate us. Instead, it connects us. It connects our culture, it connects our people, it also connects our ideas. We have shared values in the commitment to preserving our natural environment; we have shared values in the democracy and freedom that define our ways of life. And I think all of these are elements that will continue to bind us together.And finally, while I have the microphone, I want to highlight our thanks and gratitude to President Whipps and the government and people of Palau for always standing with Taiwan and supporting Taiwan with an international voice. Things have not been easy for us, but our history of hardship has made us even more resilient. And like the Palauan people, we are also island people. And as we look to the Pacific, we look at the Pacific with an open heart, an open mind, and with a warmth and hospitality that continue to bring us together and demonstrate that we are both countries that are forces for good in the world. So, may our friendship continue to develop and stand the test of time, and may our bonds continue to build stronger together.President Whipps then delivered remarks, first welcoming Vice President Hsiao and saying that it is an honor to host the delegation on her first official visit to Palau. He stated that the presence at the banquet of the whole of government of Palau reaffirms the closeness and importance of the bilateral partnership and relationship. He pointed out that Taiwan and Palau share deep-rooted ties based on mutual respect, democratic values, and strong people-to-people connections. Noting that both countries share in Austronesian culture, he stated that both sides not only share many habits and cultural traditions but also continue to build on that relationship. Bringing up the example of a Palauan sailing canoe having just returned from visiting Taiwan, he emphasized that keeping traditional knowledge alive is important for celebrating our shared identity as ocean people.President Whipps mentioned that during his visit to Japan last week, he was asked by many media outlets about Palau's relationship with Taiwan. He reassured them that the relationship is strong and getting stronger because of our mutual interests, a rules-based world order, and our shared belief in a free and open Indo-Pacific. He stressed that both countries must stand up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Highlighting that Taiwan is a prosperous and growing nation that has shown the world its leadership in healthcare, technology, aviation, and all fields, the president stated that Taiwan needs to be a part of international discussions and should be a part of the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Civil Aviation Organization. He added that all voices need to be heard, which is the very purpose of the UN.President Whipps expressed his gratitude to Taiwan for being a true and exceptional partner, always providing support in the most difficult of times. He recalled that during the COVID pandemic, Taiwan provided medical flights, supplied needed equipment to help Palau stay COVID-free, and allowed Palauan students to continue going to school in Taiwan. He noted that caring about people and putting people first is what Palau truly treasures in our relationship. Furthermore, he noted, important cooperation projects such as direct flights, aquaculture, infrastructure, and encouraging Taiwanese investment are all vital to building a platform for economic activity and economic resilience. In closing, the president expressed his hope that Taiwan and Palau will continue to work together, as they believe in winning together and being stronger together. He then encouraged Vice President Hsiao to make more frequent visits to Palau.Also in attendance at the banquet were Vice President of the Senate of the Republic of Palau Stevenson Kuartei, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, the Environment Steven Victor, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, High Chief Ngirturong John Sugiyama, Queen Bilung Gloria Salii, Ambassador of Japan to Palau Kasahara Kenichi, Ambassador of Australia to Palau Toby Sharpe, and Chargé d'Affaires Shankar Rao of the US Embassy in the Republic of Palau.

On the afternoon of June 6, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao delivered remarks before embarking on a five-day, four-night visit to the Republic of Palau titled the “Palau Prosperity Project.” Vice President Hsiao said that during this trip they will continue deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau through meetings with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and other key leaders; visit sustainable tourism attractions and help promote Palau’s tourism development; and witness alongside the Palauan government the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in the areas of medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure. The vice president expressed hope that the visit will further deepen our nations’ multifaceted cooperation, building on existing foundations as we look to the future.In remarks, the vice president said that today marks the official departure of the Palau Prosperity Project delegation, adding that this is her first visit to a diplomatic ally since assuming the vice presidency. She expressed her profound honor at being entrusted with this mission by President Lai, and that she feels the weight of the responsibility it entails. She stated that on this trip they aim to achieve the following three objectives:The first is to deepen the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau. During the delegation’s time in Palau, the vice president will call on President Whipps and other political leaders. President Whipps has visited Taiwan multiple times since taking office, she noted, demonstrating through concrete action his commitment to our bilateral relationship. In response to President Whipps’ proactive visits, this reciprocal visit is an opportunity to further deepen the friendship between our two nations.The second objective is to assist Palau in promoting sustainable tourism – a priority of the Palauan government – and to showcase the beauty of Palau to more people in Taiwan. She said that the delegation is honored to have been invited by President Whipps to visit Palau’s well-known sustainable tourism attractions in person. The vice president expressed hope that more people in Taiwan will follow in the delegation’s footsteps, discover Palau through travel, and explore its beauty together.The third objective is to jointly witness the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. In recent years, the government of Taiwan has collaborated with the government of Palau on the project, helping to advance Palau’s national development. The vice president stated that this trip will allow the delegation to witness firsthand the cooperative achievements our two countries have made in various fields such as medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure.Pointing out that diplomatic work is never easy, the vice president said that she will also visit the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau to cheer on and offer encouragement to all the frontline staff stationed there.The vice president stated that it has been over a quarter of a century since the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Palau established diplomatic relations, and the two countries have maintained frequent and close interactions. She expressed hope that this visit will further deepen our nations’ multifaceted cooperation, building on existing foundations as we look to the future. The vice president added that she looks forward to this Palau Prosperity journey, working together so that Taiwan may engage with the world and deepen our bonds with friends in the international community.Among those at the airport to see the vice president off were Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya L. Francis and Palau Chargé d’Affaires David Adams Orrukem.

On the morning of June 1, the Presidential Office held a press conference to announce that Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao will lead a delegation to the Republic of Palau, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, from June 6 to 10. President Lai Ching-te expressed hope that the delegation will achieve the three core objectives of deepening diplomatic ties, assisting Palau in promoting sustainable tourism, and witnessing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. The president also expressed hope that Taiwan and Palau will continue deepening cooperation in various areas, demonstrating to the international community the robust, profound bilateral relations and cooperative achievements between Taiwan and Palau.At the press conference, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Taiwan and Palau have maintained a close and friendly partnership, and that President Lai's first overseas visit after he assumed office in 2024 was to Palau. She noted that Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. has also visited Taiwan multiple times in recent years, demonstrating through his concrete actions his high regard for the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau. The spokesperson mentioned that this year, Taiwan was once again honored to receive President Whipps' invitations for President Lai and Vice President Hsiao to visit. To deepen the friendship and promote people-to-people exchanges, she said, President Lai has especially appointed Vice President Hsiao to lead a delegation to Palau from June 6 to 10 in response to President Whipps' gracious invitation.Spokesperson Kuo stated that the name of this visit is the “Palau Prosperity Project,” which symbolizes the hope that, on the foundation of our deep diplomatic ties, Taiwan and Palau will continue to provide mutual assistance for shared prosperity, create greater well-being for both peoples, and jointly promote progress for the two countries and the world. President Lai has set three core objectives for the visit:1. To deepen diplomatic ties. The vice president's trip will include meetings with President Whipps and political figures, with the aim of strengthening interactions and further deepening the friendship between the two nations.2. To assist Palau in promoting sustainable tourism. Since tourism is a key pillar of Palau's national development, Vice President Hsiao will visit well-known sustainable tourism attractions in Palau and jointly promote Palau's tourism with President Whipps.3. To witness the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. In recent years, the governments of Taiwan and Palau have jointly promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. On this trip, Vice President Hsiao will witness firsthand the tangible results of the project as well as our cooperative achievements in recent years in such areas as medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure.The spokesperson mentioned that the “Palau Prosperity Project” delegation will include Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱), as well as a team composed of personnel from the Presidential Office, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies.Vice Minister Ger subsequently provided further details on the itinerary:1. Official visits: As part of her itinerary, Vice President Hsiao will meet with President Whipps and other key leaders of the Palauan government. She will also visit the Palau National Congress to engage with members of the Senate and the House of Delegates.2. Witnessing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project: Vice President Hsiao will visit the demonstration farm of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau, the National Aquaculture Center, and Belau National Hospital, among other sites. She will also attend an inauguration ceremony for an infrastructure project built with Taiwan's assistance, and alongside members of the Palauan government, review cooperative achievements from recent years resulting from the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in areas such as agriculture and fisheries, medicine and public health, and infrastructure.3. Promoting Palau's sustainable tourism attractions: Vice President Hsiao will be personally accompanied by President Whipps, at his invitation, to visit several of Palau's sustainable tourism attractions. Through these firsthand visits, they will jointly promote Palauan tourism, with the hope of introducing more of Taiwan's citizens to the beauty of Palau and sparking greater interest in traveling there.4. Attending the Palauan government's welcome banquet and hosting Taiwan's appreciation banquet: At the invitation of the Palauan government, Vice President Hsiao will attend a welcome banquet hosted by President Whipps. She will also host an appreciation banquet on behalf of the government of Taiwan to express gratitude for Palau's hospitality.5. Other itinerary items: In addition to the aforementioned itinerary, Vice President Hsiao will engage with the Palauan community and visit local cultural businesses to foster closer interaction and exchanges with the Palauan people. She will also visit the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau to show her support for frontline diplomatic personnel, members of the technical mission, medical staff stationed in Palau, volunteers, and members of the overseas Taiwanese community.Vice Minister Ger stated that conducting head-of-state and vice-head-of-state diplomacy through visits to strengthen ties with diplomatic allies has always been a key focus of the government's foreign policy. This will mark Vice President Hsiao's first visit to a diplomatic ally since taking office, making it especially meaningful, and all official meetings and visits are being meticulously planned and coordinated. The vice minister said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and the Palauan government to ensure that all arrangements for the visit are comprehensive and that its objectives will be smoothly accomplished, demonstrating to the international community the robust, profound bilateral relations and cooperative achievements between Taiwan and Palau.