Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) last night returned to Taiwan after a five-day trip to Palau, saying the visit highlighted the visible success of bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries, as well as Palau's tourism appeal.
Upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Hsiao said that the diplomatic mission assigned to her by President William Lai (賴清德) was successful.
The visit, her first to a diplomatic ally since taking office in May 2024, left a deep impression on her, Hsiao said, commending Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr and his government for the arrangements made for her.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
The Taiwanese delegation was warmly received by Whipps, Palauan Vice President Raynold Oilouch, other government officials and traditional leaders, reinforcing the close bond between the two countries, she said.
The friendship between Taiwan and Palau is rooted in a shared Austronesian heritage that connects the two peoples across the ocean, Hsiao said, paying tribute to Palau's natural beauty and encouraging Taiwanese to visit the Pacific ally.
Palau is Taiwan's closest diplomatic ally geographically and can be reached by direct flights of less than four hours, with four scheduled services per week from Taiwan, she said.
The main highlights of her visit were the visible results of Taiwan-Palau cooperation and Taiwan's contributions to the international community, she said.
During Hsiao's visit, Taiwan announced that personnel from its Investigation Bureau would be stationed in Palau to help fight cross-border crime, and that drones would be donated to the Palauan government.
Hsiao’s delegation also visited Taiwan-funded infrastructure projects, Palau's national hospital, an aquaculture center and a demonstration farm run by a Taiwanese technical mission.
The projects highlighted the results of bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and healthcare, which provide a strong foundation for further collaboration between the two countries, Hsiao said.
Acknowledging the challenges Taiwan faces in the international arena, Hsiao thanked Palau for its continued support, reiterating Lai's stance that Taiwanese have the right to engage with the world.
Taiwanese would continue to contribute to the world despite the challenges they face, she added.
“Welcome home,” Lai wrote on Facebook last night, congratulating Hsiao on her successful trip.
Lai thanked Whipps and the Palauan government for their warm hospitality and steadfast support.
Taiwan has always been happy to help and willing to contribute to the international community, he said.
Facing a turbulent international situation, the nation would walk more confidently on the world stage to allow the world to see its democracy and resilience, he said.
Taiwan would continue to deepen its ties with international partners and move forward with the international community, he added.
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