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Marshall Islands to keep relations with Taiwan: Donald Lee

The government of the Marshall Islands remains committed to its ties with Taiwan despite the recent election of a pro-China presidential candidate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

Donald Lee (李傳通), head of the Department of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, said media speculation that ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands were deteriorating were "absolutely untrue."

"Relations between the two countries remain firm in spite of media rumors," said Lee, who had just returned from a visit to the Pacific country.

The ministry could not give a time-frame for an official state visit by the new Marshall Island administration.

During the election campaign, Litokwa Tomeing promised to end the Marshall Islands' diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, establish ties with China and adhere to Beijing's "one China" policy.

Taiwanese officials have accused Beijing of interfering in the Marshall Islands election by funneling money through local businessmen to opposition candidates.

During his state visit to the country, Lee said, Tomeing reassured him that his country's support for Taiwan would not change, saying the Pacific nation would "undoubtedly" support Taiwan's annual bid for WHO membership in May.

The country has supported Taiwan's bid every year since the two governments forged relations in 1998.

Lee said there was no date set at this point for Tomeing to visit Taiwan, adding that it would "take a while" for the new administration to go through a transitional period and settle into a routine.

During the visit, Lee said, Tomeing and his top-ranking officials, including the health minister, expressed their gratitude for Taiwan's aid over the last decade.

Taiwan sponsors several development projects and programs in the Marshall Islands, including an agricultural and fishery project, a permanent medical mission and a number of micro-credit loan programs to promote small and medium-sized enterprises.
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