Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will embark on his first official visit during his tenure, initiating the “Prosperous South Island Sustainable Wisdom” journey on November 30. He will lead a delegation to visit allies such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. President Lai Ching-te aims to achieve three major goals, including “sustainable friendship.”
The Office of the President of the Republic of China held a press conference today (November 22) to announce that President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation to visit friendly nations such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau from November 30 to December 6. President Lai aims to achieve core goals of “sustainable wisdom,” “sustainable democracy,” and “sustainable friendship.” He hopes to deepen the close and friendly partnerships with allied countries, ensuring sustainable development in various cooperation areas for the well-being of both peoples.
Presidential spokesperson Guo Ya-hui stated, “This year marks the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with Tuvalu, the 26th anniversary with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the 25th anniversary with the Republic of Palau.” In May of this year, the heads of state of the three Pacific allied countries, including President Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands, Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau, visited Taiwan to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony.
Guo Ya-hui mentioned that last month, Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu visited again and served as the chief guest at Taiwan’s National Day celebrations, demonstrating strong support for Taiwan and extending another warm invitation for President Lai to visit. “In response to the enthusiastic invitations from the three Pacific allies, and to show our appreciation for the Pacific allies, President Lai will lead a delegation to visit the friendly nations.”
She explained that the visit is named “Prosperous South Island Sustainable Wisdom,” with President Lai aiming to achieve three sustainable core goals: “sustainable wisdom” to share experiences with allied countries and build economic resilience together, “sustainable democracy” to deepen cooperation with democratic partners sharing common values, and “sustainable friendship” to continue bilateral cooperation and enhance the well-being of both peoples.
During this visit, President Lai will meet with President Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands, Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau to exchange views on important cooperation projects, regional and international issues.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tan Zhong-guang provided details on the itinerary for this trip. He mentioned that the sequential order of the presidential visit will be to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three Pacific allied countries. President Lai will meet with President Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands, her cabinet team, and Speaker of Parliament Brenson Wase; he will also deliver a speech in the parliament and attend events such as the inauguration ceremony of the Majuro Hospital Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine Center and a state banquet hosted by President Heine.
In Tuvalu, Tan Zhong-guang stated that President Lai will meet with Governor Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, Prime Minister Feleti Teo and his cabinet team, attend a state banquet hosted by Prime Minister Feleti Teo, and visit Nauti Primary School. In the Republic of Palau, President Lai will meet with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and his cabinet team, deliver a speech in the Palau parliament, attend a state banquet hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., and participate in the inauguration ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Palau Government Joint Office Building.
Tan Zhong-guang emphasized that promoting head-of-state diplomacy to enhance friendship with allied countries has always been a key focus of the government’s foreign policy. This visit holds particular significance as it marks President Lai Ching-te’s first official visit after taking office. All meeting and visit programs are meticulously planned, arranged, and coordinated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant ministries and the governments of the visited countries to ensure the successful implementation of the visit’s objectives.
Guo Ya-hui explained that the members of the visiting delegation include Secretary-General of the Office of the President of the Republic of China Pan Meng-an, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Chang Dun-han, Chairperson of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Hsu Chia-ching, Chairperson of the Mainland Affairs Council Kuan Pi-ling, former Chairperson of the Council of Indigenous Peoples Ljaucu Zingrur, as well as other department heads such as Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi, all witnessing the concrete cooperation achievements between the Republic of China and the Pacific allied nations.
The Republic of China currently maintains diplomatic relations with 12 countries, including two in Central America (Belize, Guatemala), four in the Caribbean (Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), three in the Pacific (Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu), as well as Paraguay in South America, Eswatini in Africa, and the Vatican City in Europe.