President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, today (April 8) accepted the letter of credence from Lily Tangisia Faavae, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to Taiwan. Faavae expressed that this letter of credence reflects the determination and confidence of the Tuvalu government and Governor-General commissioning her to promote and strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
President Lai Ching-te, in his speech, expressed his great pleasure in accepting the letter of credence from Ambassador Faavae of Tuvalu. He extended the warmest welcome on behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
“Last year, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu celebrated the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo visited Taiwan in May and October last year, attending my and Vice President Shelley Mishkin’s inauguration ceremonies as well as the National Day celebrations. I also visited Tuvalu in December last year and received a warm reception from the Tuvalu government and people, deeply feeling that the two countries are like family,” Lai Ching-te stated.
President Lai Ching-te pointed out that Ambassador Faavae’s appointment to Taiwan demonstrates Prime Minister Teo’s emphasis on the friendship between the two countries. Ambassador Faavae is an outstanding official, with a complete public service background and widely recognized capabilities. During her tenure as Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare, she spoke up for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly (WHA). With Ambassador Faavae’s assistance, it is believed that the two countries will further deepen cooperation and exchanges.
He expressed gratitude to the Tuvalu government for its long-standing support of Taiwan’s international participation and joint efforts in various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, technology, and information and communication technology, which have yielded fruitful cooperation results.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned that he and Prime Minister Teo signed the “Joint Communique on Deepening Comprehensive Partnership Relations between Taiwan and Tuvalu” last year. Taiwan will collaborate with Tuvalu to face challenges such as climate change and authoritarian expansion together, deepen bilateral relations, create more well-being for both peoples, and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region.
Lastly, President Lai Ching-te once again welcomed Ambassador Faavae to Taiwan to assume her post and asked her to convey Taiwan’s gratitude and regards to Prime Minister Teo and all friends in Tuvalu. He also wished Ambassador Faavae a safe and successful tenure in Taiwan.
In her speech, Ambassador Faavae expressed her great honor to meet President Lai in her capacity as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to Taiwan and present the letter of credence. On behalf of the Tuvalu government and people, she conveyed the sincerest greetings and deepest respect to President Lai and the Taiwanese people. This letter of credence also demonstrates the Tuvalu government and Governor-General’s entrusted resolve and confidence in promoting and strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Faavae mentioned that the 45-year friendship between Tuvalu and Taiwan is built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values. Both sides have achieved many cooperation results in education, healthcare, climate change and sea-level rise adaptation, agriculture, clean energy, and network connections fields, and will continue to work together.
She stressed that Tuvalu is committed to deepening its relationship with Taiwan, valuing people-to-people exchanges and the shared South Islander cultural heritage. As a developing small country, the people of Tuvalu have benefited greatly from Taiwan’s advanced technology and diverse financial assistance. It is believed that Tuvalu and Taiwan have common interests, and will work together to uphold the democracy, peace, stability, and prosperity of both peoples, making the world a better and safer place.
Ambassador Faavae pledged to promote the development of bilateral relations with diligence and respect, enhance mutual understanding, and promote cooperation in areas of common concern. She looks forward to close cooperation with the Taiwan government and other partners to achieve common goals and continue to build a more prosperous and harmonious future for both countries. Finally, she thanked President Lai for the opportunity to serve in Taiwan and contribute to deepening the friendship between the two countries.