【Epoch Times News, September 13, 2024】Taiwan’s ally, the President of the Parliament of Tuvalu, Iakoba Taeia Italeli, and his spouse visited Taiwan to meet with President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen. Italeli emphasized Tuvalu’s unwavering commitment to Taiwan and pledged to continue advocating for Taiwan on the international stage.
President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed the visit of the delegation led by the President of the Parliament of Tuvalu, Italeli, expressing gratitude for Tuvalu’s longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and advocacy, defending Taiwan’s right to participate in international forums. She looks forward to further close cooperation and deepening of the partnership between the two countries to promote sustainable development in the Pacific region.
During his remarks, President Italeli first congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen on her election as President of Taiwan, highlighting it as an important achievement. Italeli, a longtime friend of Taiwan, expressed anticipation for future collaboration with President Tsai. He recalled his previous visits to Taiwan during his tenure as governor, meeting with former presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen. This visit marks his first visit to Taiwan as President of the Parliament of Tuvalu, filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. He conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Tuvalu government and people for Taiwan’s steadfast support and generosity, acknowledging the transformative impact Taiwan has had on Tuvalu.
Italeli mentioned his pride in signing bilateral agreements during his term as Minister of Health from 2006 to 2010, facilitating the visit of Taiwan’s medical mission to Tuvalu. This partnership led to the sisterhood relationship between the Tuvalu’s Margelette Princess Hospital and Taiwan’s Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, providing much-needed healthcare services to the people of Tuvalu.
He stated, “Taiwan’s assistance goes beyond healthcare and covers important development projects that address Tuvalu’s urgent needs and promote sustainable development. Projects like the submarine cable initiative enhance national connectivity, reduce disparities, and expand avenues for Tuvaluans to access information and opportunities. Taiwan’s assistance in improving agriculture and fisheries sectors is crucial for food security, economic stability, and sustainable development.” Italeli emphasized.
Italeli reiterated Tuvalu’s understanding of the significant impact of global economic and military power, reaffirming Tuvalu’s steadfast commitment to Taiwan and the enduring spirit of their 45-year friendship, upholding bilateral partnership. Tuvalu will continue to advocate for Taiwan internationally, aiming to enhance bilateral relations and ensure mutual interests.
He expressed gratitude for the warm reception received during the visit to Taiwan, describing the journey as memorable and meaningful. He sincerely invited President Tsai to visit the beautiful Tuvalu, believing it will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
In conclusion, Italeli thanked Taiwan for its continued support and cooperation, which not only address Tuvalu’s current needs but also lay the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity. He looks forward to further strengthening bilateral partnership, mutual cooperation, and benefiting the people of both countries.
In her address, President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed President Italeli’s delegation, noting it was his first visit since taking office in February. She described Italeli as a long-time friend of Taiwan, who had visited Taiwan twice during his governorship and warmly received President Tsai’s visit in 2017. Tsai expressed profound gratitude on behalf of Taiwan for Tuvalu’s unwavering support and consideration towards the friendly ties between the two countries.
“Over the past few years, Taiwan and Tuvalu have closely cooperated in various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, South Pacific indigenous cultures, and information communication technology, producing fruitful results. Both countries have jointly tackled the challenges of climate change by partnering with like-minded countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, exchanging experiences to strengthen Tuvalu’s coastal defenses and enhance climate resilience,” Tsai stated.
Tsai mentioned that just last month, the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) seminar was held in Tuvalu for the first time, featuring speakers from Taiwan, Japan, and Australia sharing their experiences and policies in tackling the impacts of climate change. “We look forward to Taiwan and Tuvalu continuing to work together to promote international cooperation, support each other on the international stage, deepen partnership in various fields, and enhance the friendship between the two countries.”
Tsai thanked President Italeli, the Tuvalu government for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation. Besides advocating for Taiwan in international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly (WHA), as well as actively defending Taiwan’s participation rights at last month’s Pacific Islands Forum, allowing both countries to contribute to global prosperity and development together.
She emphasized that Taiwan and Tuvalu are both members of the Pacific family, expressing confidence that under the support of visitors, the partnership between the two countries will deepen, expanding cooperation areas, and jointly promoting sustainable development in the Pacific region. “Let’s work together towards this goal.”