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Lu starts visit to three South Pacific allies

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) embarked on a six-day trip last night to three of the nation's South Pacific diplomatic allies -- the Marshall Islands, Nauru and the Solomon Islands.

It was the first time that Lu was to visit the three countries, which have all seen changes of government in the past two months.

Lu said that the purpose of her trip was to consolidate relations with the allies.

She also said that she would hold meetings with the heads of state of the three countries and review the operations of Taiwan's technical assistance missions there.

Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing, Nauru President Marcus Stephen and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua will all visit Taiwan soon after my return, Lu said.

Lu's first stop is scheduled for Nauru, where she will take part in a series of festivities marking the country's National Day on Thursday as President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) special envoy.

Lu will then visit the Marshall Islands and the Solomon Islands.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs James Huang (黃志芳) said Lu had initially intended to fly on board Air Force One.

That plan had to be abandoned because of limitations at one of the airports.

Lu will make a brief transit stop in the US territory of Guam before going to the Marshall Islands and for the return flight to Taiwan.

Lu thanked the ministry for making the arrangements for the stopover in Guam and said she appreciated the quick US response to the stopover request.

Lu made the announcement during a press conference to publicize her itinerary.
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