The election of Surangel Whipps Jr. and J. Uduch Senior as president and vice president, respectively, of ally Palau is warmly welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan, according the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nov. 17.
 
Whipps, a seasoned politician who served as a senator in the Pacific island nation from 2008 to 2016, defeated incumbent Vice President Raynold Oilouch, while Sen. Uduch Senior overcame Sen. Frank Kyota in the Nov. 3 contest.
 
The ROC (Taiwan) embassy in Palau conveyed a congratulatory message on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen as soon as the results of the election were officially confirmed, the MOFA said. No effort will be spared in maintaining the positive momentum of bilateral relations based on steadfast diplomacy, as well as promoting freedom, democracy and sustainable development for the benefit of the people, the ministry added.
 
In a tweet on the MOFA’s official account, the ministry said “The government & people of #Taiwan warmly congratulate Surangel Whipps Jr. & J. Uduch Sengebau Senior on election as president & vice president, respectively, of Western #Pacific ally #Palau. We look forward to our countries continuing to deepen friendship & expand exchanges.”
 
Taiwan-Palau cooperation spans a broad spectrum of areas like agriculture, clean energy, coast guard, culture, education, fisheries, health care, infrastructure and medicine. The countries, which celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations in December last year, also share a rich Austronesian heritage. (YCH-E)
 
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