President William Lai (賴清德) arrived in the Marshall Islands today, after visiting Hawaii on the first stop of a Pacific tour.
The Marshall Islands is one of 12 remaining nations that recognize Taiwan officially.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine extended Lai a "very warm welcome" after his arrival in the capital Majuro, where he is to hold talks with the government and attend a banquet.
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office
"Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a traditional Austronesian culture as well as the values of freedom and democracy," Lai told Heine, speaking through an interpreter.
Lai's first overseas trip since taking office in May began with a two-day visit to the US state of Hawaii where he discussed "China's military threats" toward Taiwan during a call with US Representative Nancy Pelosi, and met with US government officials and members of Congress.
After the Marshall Islands, Lai is to visit Taiwan's other remaining Pacific island allies Tuvalu and Palau, as well as stop for one night in the US territory of Guam.
The Marshall Islands, a sprawling chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls halfway between Hawaii and Australia, has a long-standing agreement with the US that gives it security and budget guarantees.
In return, the US military has access to its territory.
"We are like family, and we are also close partners who support each other," Lai told Heine. "Over many years of mutual support, we have provided one another the greatest possible backing."
In a speech to parliament, Lai announced that Taiwan would provide a "preferential loan" for state-owned Air Marshall Islands to purchase new aircraft.
Taiwan, which has a long history of providing development finance in the Pacific, would also help build a pig slaughterhouse next year to improve "food security" in the Marshall Islands, Lai said.
Lai thanked Heine for "personally speaking up for Taiwan at this year's Pacific Islands Forum, the UN General Assembly and COP29."
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