Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) is to represent Taiwan at Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s inauguration on Thursday, Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Director Peter Lan (藍夏禮) said today.
During his trip, Lin would discuss Taiwan-Palau collaboration with Whipps and explore industrial and technological exchange opportunities between the two countries, Lan said.
Photo: Huang Chin-hsuan, Taipei Times
Whipps secured a second term in office during Palau's presidential election in November last year, along with vice-presidential candidate Raynold Oilouch.
Lin is to lead Taiwan's delegation to Whipps’ inauguration on behalf of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Lan said.
Palau is one of 12 states that maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei instead of Beijing.
Lin would be joined by an industrial delegation, which aims to learn more about the Palauan business environment, Lan said.
Together with Lin, this delegation would explore opportunities for business cooperation between Taiwan and Palau in sectors such as tourism, medicine, aquaculture and information and communication technology, he said.
The goal is to realize the vision of closer Taiwan-Palau economic and trade cooperation outlined by Lai and Whipps during Lai’s visit to Palau in December last year, he added.
This would strengthen Taiwan’s global presence and upgrade Palau’s industries, reinforcing their partnership and developing a prosperous economic relationship, he said.
Taiwan and Palau have a steadfast partnership, with both nations upholding values of democracy, freedom and human rights, Lan said.
They cooperate closely in areas including climate change, infrastructure, agricultural and fisheries technology, healthcare, education and culture, tourism, humanitarian aid and sports, he said.
The two countries would continue to cooperate based on this solid foundation, promoting a mutually beneficial partnership, he added.
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