The Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of China (Taiwan) friendly ally Tuvalu, Mr. Iakoba Taeia Italeli, visited Taiwan and met with Prime Minister Lai Ching-te today (2nd). He reiterated Tuvalu’s support for Taiwan on the international stage, stating that Tuvalu values unity and will continue to stand firmly with Taiwan at every international conference.
President Lai Ching-te of the Republic of China (Taiwan) received the visiting delegation of the Tuvalu National Parliament Speaker Iakoba Taeia Italeli and Seve Paeniu, a member of the Parliament this afternoon. In his speech, President Lai first welcomed Speaker Italeli and Member Paeniu’s delegation to Taiwan, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him during his visit to Tuvalu last year.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned that Speaker Italeli’s delegation is in Taiwan to attend the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians Union (APPU) annual meeting, which not only demonstrates support for Taiwan but also reaffirms the determination of Taiwan and Tuvalu to jointly promote stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
President Lai stated that as emphasized during the opening ceremony of the APPU annual meeting, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining regional peace, strengthen cooperation with diplomatic allies and countries in Asia, and promote regional prosperity and well-being. In the future, Taiwan will continue to collaborate closely with Tuvalu in various fields to promote mutual prosperity and development and jointly address global challenges such as climate change and authoritarian expansion.
“Speaker Italeli is concerned about talent development in Tuvalu, so Taiwan continues to provide scholarships, establish medical and vocational training programs, as well as promote the ‘Dream Plan for Youth from Diplomatic Allies to Taiwan’ starting this year, inviting more young people from Tuvalu to study and exchange in Taiwan,” said President Lai Ching-te.
President Lai Ching-te also expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese people to Tuvalu for advocating for Taiwan’s international participation at international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly over the years. This deep friendship will be remembered, and he looks forward to Taiwan and Tuvalu continuing to support each other and collaborate with more democratic partners to jointly uphold peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific.
In his speech, Speaker Italeli first expressed gratitude to the President for taking the time to meet. Tuvalu is at the forefront of nations severely impacted by climate change. Despite its small land area, it bears a significant responsibility in safeguarding the oceans. The people possess rich traditional culture and resilience, but face various daily challenges, including rising sea levels threatening their homes, saltwater intrusion affecting crops and drinking water, and strong storms and erosion.
Speaker Italeli stated that for Tuvalu, climate change is not a theoretical issue but a struggle for survival and dignity, as well as the right to remain in their ancestral homeland. He mentioned that in this existential struggle, Taiwan has always been Tuvalu’s most steadfast and loyal partner, thanking Taiwan for assisting in land reclamation, supporting Tuvalu’s agriculture, the Central Pacific Cable Project, outer island 4G network services, education, and medical aid. He also hopes Taiwan will continue to support Tuvalu’s energy transition to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Taiwan for committing to assist in building the symbolic cornerstone of national democratic institutions, the Tuvalu National Parliament Building, allowing the people’s voices to be heard and shaping the country’s destiny through lawmaking.
Speaker Italeli reiterated Tuvalu’s support for Taiwan on the international stage, emphasizing Tuvalu’s understanding of the value of unity and its firm commitment to standing with Taiwan at every international conference, just as Taiwan has always stood with Tuvalu. Despite being a small nation, the friendship between Tuvalu and Taiwan is not limited by size or distance but deeply connected by values such as democracy, dignity, and resilience.
He stated that in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, information and communication technology, renewable energy, education, trade, and governance, Taiwan’s support for Tuvalu will shape this generation, inspiring future generations to come.