On the eve of the century's end, Taiwan has gained a new diplomatic ally -- the second of the year -- announcing the establishment of official ties with the west Pacific island state of Palau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
"The two sides have decided to open diplomatic ties on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other's sovereignty," recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Chien-jen (程建人), said at a news conference.
"The two sides will open embassies in Taipei and [capital city] Koror at a suitable time," he said.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
Palau chose Taiwan because of its experience, freedom, democracy, observance of human rights and the interaction it already has with Taiwan citizens, Chen said, quoting Palau's President, Kuniwo Nakamura.
"Although we are not very big, we understand international situations. There is no question of who we should establish relations with," Nakamura told Chen after the two signed the agreement.
Chen flew to Palau on Tuesday to finalize the agreement to establish ties, wrapping up the deal during a 30-hour visit to the island state.
Both sides agreed to announce the newly established ties at 6pm yesterday.
Palau has turned to Taiwan not for financial aid, but to draw from Taiwan's business experience, Chen said.
"They want to learn how to fish," he said.
Taiwan has had exchanges with Palau since 1980, signing an agricultural agreement with the island in 1984 and recently an air agreement on Dec. 2.
Palau is famous for its scuba diving and underwater wonders -- 625 species of coral and more than 1,400 kinds of fish.
Chen also said that the two would improve relations but stressed that the agreement had not been made on the condition that immediate favors would be given to Palau.
"There was no promise of immediate investment or help," Chen said.
The foreign ministry is often accused of using the government's wealth to purchase allies and win international recognition over China, which has diplomatic ties with 186 countries. Taiwan has relations with 29.
One recent example was Papua New Guinea (PNG), which broke ties with the island only weeks after they were established. All of this was clouded over by documents PNG officials had leaked to the press showing Taiwan had promised some US$2.35 billion in aid and loans to the island.
Chen said that he doubted there would be any surprises from Palau.
"The situation there is very stable. Nothing unexpected will happen," he said.
President Nakamura has led the sparsely populated island of 18,000 since 1993 and is currently serving his second term.
Palau, which was previously under United Nations trusteeship, became an independent country on Oct. 1, 1994 when its voters approved the Compact of Free Association with the United States.
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